Hundred Years’ War | Conflict between England and France

The Hundred Years’ War is the conflict between England and France. It originated from dynastic disputes, territorial ambitions, and economic rivalries, and had a profound impact on both nations. At the beginning of the war, the English won great victories at the battles of Crecy (1346) and Poitiers (1356), showcasing the effectiveness of the longbow in medieval warfare and military prowess, but France slowly reclaimed much of the lands lost in the battle.

After a subtle phase of peace, the war started again when Richard II of England married the daughter of Charles VI of France. The Battle of Agincourt (1415), was won by Henry V of England. He was nominated as the heir to the French throne, but his early death and ineffective rule resulted in Charles VII of France (r. 1422–1461) reclaiming the throne. The French won crucial battles at Formigny (1450) and Castillon (1453) with help from Joan of Arc.

In this article, we will look into the Overview, History, and Timeline of the Hundred Year’s War in detail. We will also discuss the impact of the Hundred Years’ War and the conflict between England and France.

What was the Hundred Years’ War?

The Hundred Years’ War was fought between England and France due to territorial disputes and conflicting claims to the French throne. The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, which established a feudal connection between the English kings and the French crown. As the centuries passed, territorial disputes, conflicting claims to the French throne, and economic rivalries fueled tensions between the two powers.

The death of Charles IV of France in 1328 without a direct male heir set off a succession crisis, with both English and French claimants vying for the throne. The war, which spanned over a century from 1337 to 1453, was traditionally divided into three main phases: the Edwardian War, the Caroline War, and the Lancastrian War. It finally came to an end with the signing of the Treaty of Castillon in 1453.

What Caused the Hundred Years’ War?

The Hundred Years’ War was an extended conflict that spanned over a century from 1337 to 1453 and stands as one of the most significant and complex wars in medieval European history. It was a series of intermittent battles and campaigns fought between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France, with occasional involvement of other European powers.

The root cause of the Hundred Years’ War can be traced back to territorial disputes and conflicting claims to the French throne. The English monarchy, led by Edward III, asserted its right to the French crown through Edward’s mother, who was a direct descendant of the Capetian dynasty. This claim was fiercely contested by the French, who were unwilling to accept an English king as their ruler. Overall, the war can be broadly divided into three main phases: the Edwardian War, the Caroline War, and the Lancastrian War.

One of the defining aspects of the conflict was the evolution of military tactics and technology. The introduction of the longbow by the English archers, notably at the Battle of Crecy in 1346 and the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, had a profound impact on the outcome of several engagements. These battles showcased the effectiveness of English archers against the traditional French feudal cavalry.

Causes of the Hundred Years’ War

Following are the causes of Hundred Year War:

1. Dynastic Disputes

The death of Charles IV of France in 1328 without a male heir set the stage for a dynastic crisis. The succession question became contentious as Edward III of England, the grandson of Charles IV, and Philip VI of France, a cousin, asserted their right to the French throne. The dispute over the legitimacy of these claims became a catalyst for the conflict.

2. Territorial Ambitions

England’s possessions in France, particularly the Duchy of Aquitaine, were a source of tension. The English kings considered themselves vassals to the French crown for these territories, leading to constant disputes over sovereignty and taxation. This territorial ambition further fueled the animosity between the two nations.

3. Economic Rivalries

The economic interests of both England and France clashed, particularly in the lucrative wool trade. Flanders, a region caught in the crossfire, depended heavily on the wool trade and became a battleground for economic dominance.

Timeline of the Hundred Years’ War

The Hundred Years’ War is divided into three main phases:

1. Edwardian War (1337–1360)

The timeline of Edwardian War

• 1337: Philip VI of France confiscates the Duchy of Aquitaine from Edward III of England, sparking the war.
• 1346: English victory at the Battle of Crecy.
• 1356: English victory at the Battle of Poitiers, capturing King John II of France.
• 1360: The Treaty of Bretigny ends the first phase of the war. Edward III gains significant territorial concessions.

2. Caroline War (1369–1389)

The timeline of Caroline War

• 1369: Renewal of hostilities as the French repudiate the Treaty of Bretigny.
• 1370-1380: Ongoing battles and sieges, including the English capture of Limoges in 1370.
• 1380: Death of Charles V of France; succeeded by Charles VI.
• 1389: Truce of Leulinghem temporarily halts major hostilities.

3. Lancastrian War (1415–1453)

The timeline of Lancastrian War

• 1415: Henry V of England’s victory at the Battle of Agincourt.
• 1420: Treaty of Troyes names Henry V heir to the French throne and recognizes English control over vast territories.
• 1422: Death of Henry V and Charles VI; Henry VI of England proclaimed king of France and England.
• 1429: Joan of Arc leads French forces to victory at the Siege of Orleans.
• 1431: Joan of Arc was captured by the Burgundians and later executed.
• 1450: French resurgence begins with the capture of Bordeaux.
• 1453: Battle of Castillon marks the end of the Hundred Years’ War. French victory leads to the expulsion of the English from continental territories.

Impacts of the Hundred Years’ War

The impact of Hundred Years’ War is as follows:

• The Hundred Years’ War witnessed significant changes in military tactics and technology. The prominence of the longbow and the use of gunpowder marked a transition from traditional mediaeval warfare to more modern forms of battle.
• The English and French populations developed a sense of national pride and solidarity. The figure of Joan of Arc, in particular, became a symbol of French resistance.
• The English monarchy faced internal challenges, including the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars that further destabilised the kingdom.
• In France, the war contributed to the centralization of power under the Valois monarchy.
• England and France faced economic challenges, including heavy taxation and the devastation of farmland. The war’s impact on trade and commerce had long-lasting effects on the economic structures of both nations.

Conclusion – Hundred Years’ War

The Hundred Years’ War left a mark on the nations involved and shaped the course of European history. The war was a culmination of dynastic disputes, territorial ambitions, and economic rivalries. The transformative effects on military tactics, national identities, and political structures are significant in history. The Hundred Years’ War remains a witness to the resilience and adaptability of mediaeval societies in the face of prolonged and devastating conflict.

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FAQs on Hundred Years’ War

What was the conclusion of the Hundred Years’ War?

The Hundred Years War concluded in 1453 with the Treaty of Bordeaux. This treaty marked the end of the conflict between England and France, bringing about territorial changes and establishing French dominance.

Who won the Hundred Years’ War?

The Kingdom of France emerged victorious in the Hundred Years’ War. The conflict, lasting from 1337 to 1453, resulted in French territorial gains and solidified their dominance over England.

Which was the most important event of the Hundred Years’ War?

The Battle of Castillon in 1453 was the most important event of the Hundred Years’ War. It led to the French victory, effectively ending the conflict and establishing France as the dominant power.

What are the 3 main impacts of the Hundred Years’ War?

The Hundred Years’ War had lasting impacts, including political changes in both England and France, economic shifts due to war expenses, and the rise of nationalism, contributing to the modern state system.

When did the Hundred Years’ War end?

The Hundred Years’ War ended in 1453 with the signing of the Treaty of Bordeaux. This marked the conclusion of the prolonged conflict between England and France that lasted from 1337.