Hundred Years' War

Hommage d Édouard Ier à Philippe le Bel

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Hundred years war

BattleofSluys

Crécy - Grandes Chroniques de France

Hundred Years' War was a series of conflicts waged from 1337 to 1453 by the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France, along with various allies for control of the French throne. While the conflict lasted 116 years, it was not a continuous war but rather a series of battles, truces, and peace treaties.

Causes

The primary causes of the Hundred Years' War were disputes over rights to land, a dispute over the succession to the French throne, and economic conflicts. The conflict began when the English king Edward III claimed the French crown as the nephew of the last direct Capetian king, Charles IV. The French rejected this claim, preferring the Valois line of French nobility to continue the throne, which led to the crowning of Philip VI of France.

Major Battles

Several major battles defined the Hundred Years' War, including the Battle of Crécy in 1346, the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, and the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. These battles showcased the military tactics of the time, including the effective use of the English longbow, which allowed the English to win significant victories despite being outnumbered.

Impact

The war had a profound impact on both England and France. In England, it helped to foster a sense of national identity and contributed to the development of the English Parliament. In France, it led to significant social and economic upheaval but ultimately contributed to the consolidation of royal power and the foundation of the modern French state.

The war also had a significant impact on medieval warfare, with the decline of feudal armies and the rise of professional armies. It marked the end of the medieval period and the beginning of the Renaissance in Europe.

Conclusion

The Hundred Years' War ended with the French victory at the Battle of Castillon in 1453. The war concluded with the expulsion of the English from all French territories except Calais, which they held until 1558. The war significantly altered the balance of power in Western Europe and marked the end of English ambitions on the French throne.