The Hundred Year War: A Turbulent Period in European History
Contents
Introduction
The Hundred Year War, a series of conflicts between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France, is one of the most significant events in European history. Spanning from 1337 to 1453, the war was a brutal and devastating period that lasted for over a century. So, what started this tumultuous period?
What Caused the Hundred Year War?
There were multiple factors that contributed to the outbreak of the Hundred Year War. One of the primary causes was the English claim to the French throne. In 1337, Edward III of England, grandson of the French king Philip IV, declared himself king of France, citing the Treaty of Paris (1259), which stated that the king of England should be given the French throne if there was no heir. This claim was based on the idea that the Crown of France had been taken from the rightful heir by the French crown, namely Edward III.
Other Causes
Another significant cause was the rise of French nationalism and the growth of the French economy. During the 13th century, the French kingdom became more centralized, and its economy began to flourish, making it more prosperous and powerful than ever before. This newfound prosperity made the French population more self-assured and resistant to English rule, which sparked tensions between the two kingdoms.
Additionally, dynastic marriages between members of the royal families in both England and France were another factor. These unions often led to the merging of territories, leading to disputes over territory and wealth. For example, the marriage of Isabella of France and Edward II of England, the first Plantagenet king, led to tensions between the two kingdoms, as their son, Edward III, claimed the French throne upon the death of his grandmother, Queen Blanche.
A Series of Events Leading Up to War
A series of events escalated tensions between the two kingdoms, making war inevitable:
• The Dispute Over Guyenne: Edward III declared war on the French King Philip VI over the Duke of Guyenne, Joan of Kent, and Richard of Bordeaux. The Earl of Derby (Edward II’s son-in-law and half-brother-in-law) married Joan without the permission of the king, leading to conflict.
• The Burning of Sulzbach: In 1336, French armies burned the city of Sulzbach in response to the English claims. Edward III saw this as a declaration of war and, in 1337, he began assembling a large army at Nottingham to invade France.
• The Naval Battle at Sluys: English naval forces won a crushing victory over the French and Flemish ships at the Battle of Sluys in 1340.
• The Battle of Crécy: In 1346, Edward III and his nephew, the Count of Montfort, won a stunning victory over a French and German army at Crécy. This defeat led to the exile of the Dauphin, Charles.
The War in Its Tenth Year (1349-1357)
The war was characterized by raids and burnings in both kingdoms. Edward III burned the city of Chartres, while the Black Prince, Edward’s eldest son, laid waste to the French town of La Roche-sur-Yon.
Table 1: Notable English and French Battles during the Hundred Year War
| Year | English Victory? | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1346 | Yes | Crécy |
| 1348 | Yes | Calais |
| 1350 | Yes | Sluys |
| 1358 | No | Reims |
Impact and Legacy
The Hundred Year War had a significant impact on both England and France, leading to lasting regional and national rivalries, as well as alterations to the feudal system. The war was marked by:
• The rise of nationalisms: The conflict solidified the sense of national identity in both countries.
• The weakening of chivalry: The ferocity of the war contributed to the decline of chivalry as an ideal in medieval society.
• The growth of towns: The war stimulated urban development, as people fled countryside areas for cities and fortifications.
Conclusion
The Hundred Year War began due to the English claim to the French throne and the rise of French nationalism. A series of events, including disputes over Guyenne, dynastic marriages, and a series of battles, contributed to the outbreak of war. Despite the devastating nature of the conflict, it ultimately changed the course of European history, shaping national identities, and altering the feudal system.
