 The Count of Flanders ruled an "immensely wealthy state" that had traditionally led an autonomous existence on the edge of the French state.The French king was generally regarded as having suzerainty over Flanders, but under former monarchs the relationship had become strained.Philip V had avoided a military solution to the Flanders problem, instead enabling the succession of Louis as count – Louis was, to a great extent, already under French influence, having been brought up at the French court.