The Hundred Years' War was a series of conflicts waged from 1337 to 1453 between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France. This prolonged conflict was not continuous but rather comprised a number of military campaigns with periods of peace in between. Here are some key aspects of this historic event:
Origins
- The war stemmed from a dynastic dispute over the French throne. After the death of Charles IV of France in 1328 without a male heir, the French nobility chose Philip VI from the House of Valois, bypassing Edward III of England, who was the closest male relative through his mother, Isabella of France.
- Edward III later claimed the French throne, igniting the conflict.
Key Phases
- Edwardian War (1337–1360): Edward III's initial campaigns in France, culminating in the significant English victory at the Battle of Crécy in 1346 and the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, where the French king John II was captured.
- Caroline War (1369–1389): Under Charles V of France, known as Charles the Wise, the French regained much of the territory lost, leading to the English retreat from most of their continental possessions except for Calais.
- Lancastrian War (1415–1453): Marked by Henry V's stunning victory at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. However, this phase also saw the rise of Joan of Arc, who inspired a French resurgence, leading to the eventual expulsion of the English from most of France.
Consequences
- The war significantly shaped the national identities of both England and France, fostering a sense of nationalism.
- It led to the decline of feudalism in both countries as centralized monarchies gained more power.
- The English lost almost all their possessions in France except for Calais, which was later lost in 1558.
- The war also had profound economic impacts, with disruptions in trade, the rise of mercenaries, and the devastation of the French countryside.
Notable Battles and Events
- Battle of Agincourt (1415): A decisive English victory against numerically superior French forces.
- Siege of Orléans (1428-1429): A turning point where Joan of Arc's arrival rallied the French troops, leading to their victory.
- Treaty of Troyes (1420): Recognized Henry V of England as the heir to the French throne, although this was not realized due to his death in 1422.
Sources
Related Topics