England - Periods - Plantagent 1154-1485

100 Years War

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The Hundred Years' War was a series of conflicts between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453. The causes of the war were complex and included disputes over territory, trade, and succession to the French throne. Here is a more detailed overview of the origins, events, important features, and people involved in the Hundred Years' War:

Origins:

The origins of the Hundred Years' War can be traced back to the early 14th century when England and France were competing for control over various territories. England had acquired Gascony, a region in southwestern France, as part of a dowry when King Edward II married Isabella of France. However, tensions between the two countries increased when France began to interfere with England's trade with Flanders. In addition, there were disputes over the succession to the French throne after the death of King Charles IV in 1328, as both Edward III of England and Philip VI of France had claims to the throne.

Events:

The Hundred Years' War can be divided into several phases:

Phase 1 (1337-1360): This phase was marked by several English victories, including the Battle of Crécy in 1346 and the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. The English also captured the French king, John II, and held him for ransom.

Phase 2 (1360-1396): This phase began with the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, which ended the fighting temporarily. However, hostilities resumed in 1369 when the French launched a series of offensives in Gascony.

Phase 3 (1396-1429): This phase saw the rise of Joan of Arc, a peasant girl who claimed to have received divine guidance to help the French defeat the English. She was instrumental in the French victory at the Siege of Orléans in 1429, but was later captured and executed by the English.

Phase 4 (1429-1453): This phase saw the gradual decline of English power in France, with the French winning a decisive victory at the Battle of Castillon in 1453, which marked the end of the Hundred Years' War.

Important Features:

The Hundred Years' War was characterized by the use of new military technologies, such as the longbow and cannon, as well as the rise of professional standing armies. The war also had significant political and social consequences, including the strengthening of the English Parliament and the emergence of a French national identity.

People:

Some of the key people involved in the Hundred Years' War include:

Edward III of England: He was the English king who first claimed the French throne and launched the war in 1337.

Philip VI of France: He was the French king who contested Edward III's claim to the throne and launched counterattacks against the English.

Joan of Arc: She was a French peasant girl who helped rally French troops and secure several key victories against the English.

Henry V of England: He was the English king who won a decisive victory at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

Charles VII of France: He was the French king who was crowned in 1429 with the help of Joan of Arc and oversaw the final victory over the English.

The Hundred Years' War was fought over various territories and claims between England and France. Here are some of the key lands and territories in dispute during the war:

Gascony: This was a region in southwestern France that had been part of the English crown since the 12th century. Gascony was a wealthy region, and England relied on it for trade and revenue.

Normandy: This was a region in northern France that had been un

der English control since the Norman Conquest of 1066. Normandy was strategically important, as it provided a base for English operations on the continent. Brittany: This was an independent duchy in western France that was allied with England for much of the war. Brittany was a key source of troops and supplies for the English army.

Aquitaine: This was a region in southwestern France that had been part of the English crown since the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to King Henry II in the 12th century. Aquitaine was a wealthy region and a key source of revenue for England.

Calais: This was a port city in northern France that was captured by England in 1347. Calais became an important English stronghold and a key base for raids into France.

Flanders: This was a

region in modern-day Belgium that was a major center for trade and commerce. England relied on trade with Flanders for much of its wealth and resources. The French Crown: The Hundred Years' War was also fought over the claim to the French crown. England believed it had a legitimate claim to the French throne through Edward III's mother, Isabella of France. The French, however, rejected this claim and fought to maintain their sovereignty.

In summary, the Hundred Years' War was fought over a number of territories and claims between England and France, including Gascony, Normandy, Brittany, Aquitaine, Calais, Flanders, and the French crown.

In conclusion, the Hundred Years' War was a complex and lengthy conflict between England and France that had significant political, social, and military consequences for both countries. It involved several phases and featured key people, events, and technologies that shaped the outcome of the war.

English Society

The Hundred Years' War had a profound impact on the people and society of England, both during and after the conflict. Here are some of the key ways in which the war affected England:

Economic Consequences: The war was very expensive for England, and the cost of financing it led to significant economic strain. The government raised taxes, debased the currency, and borrowed heavily, which caused inflation and hardship for ordinary people.

Social Upheaval: The war also caused significant social upheaval. Many men were conscripted to fight in the war, which disrupted families and communities. The war also led to the emergence of new social classes, such as the yeomen who became wealthy from supplying the army.

Political Change: The Hundred Years' War had important political consequences for England. The power of the monarchy increased as the king became more reliant on parliament to fund the war. The war also helped to develop the idea of a "national" identity in England, as people rallied behind the king and fought for their country.

Military Innovations: The Hundred Years' War was a period of military innovation, and England made significant advances in technology and tactics during this time. The longbow, for example, became a key weapon for the English army, and the use of cannon became more widespread.

Cultural Exchange: The Hundred Years' War also led to cultural exchange between England and France. Many English soldiers, merchants, and aristocrats spent time in France, and French language and culture became more prevalent in England.

In summary, the Hundred Years' War had far-reaching consequences for England. It caused economic hardship, social upheaval, and political change, while also leading to significant military and cultural developments.

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Reference: Article by Greg Scott (Staff Historian), 2024

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