Final answer:
Louis IX aided in the unification of France by establishing strong central authority, maintaining a firm adherence to Christian values, and promoting justice and religious unity, building upon his mother's efforts to secure peace in the kingdom.
Step-by-step explanation:
Louis IX, also known as Saint Louis, contributed significantly to the unification and strengthening of France during his reign. He inherited a kingdom that was at peace thanks to the efforts of his mother, Blanche of Castile, who acted as a regent during his youth. Once in power, Louis focused on establishing strong central authority. His rule was characterized by fairness and a firm adherence to Christian values, which helped stabilize and unite the kingdom internally. Louis's coronation, at which he was presented with a golden ball or disc symbolic of his power, hinted at his divine right to rule, further solidifying his authority. Religious unity was also a focal point in his administration. Like his predecessors, Louis maintained a strong alliance with the Catholic Church, ensuring religious homogeneity, which contributed to national unity. While not explicitly referenced in the extracts, Louis IX's promotion of justice, his establishment of the Parlement of Paris, and support for the Church, along with the legacy of the Capetian dynasty's efforts to centralize power, played crucial roles in uniting France and strengthening the monarchy.