What was the cause of the 100 years war?

What was the Cause of the 100 Years War?

The 100 Years War was a complex and multifaceted conflict that lasted for over a century, from 1337 to 1453, between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France. While there is no single cause that can be pinpointed as the sole reason for the war, there were several key factors that contributed to its outbreak and continuation.

Historical Background

Before diving into the causes of the war, it’s essential to understand the historical context. The Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France had been rivals for centuries, with the two monarchies sharing a common ancestry and rival claims to the French throne. The Norman Conquest of England in 1066, led by William the Conqueror, had left a lasting impact on the relationship between the two countries.

Economic Rivalries

One of the primary causes of the 100 Years War was economic rivalry between the two nations. The wool trade was a significant contributor to England’s economy, with England being one of the largest producers of wool in Europe. However, the French monarchy imposed heavy taxes on English wool exports, leading to a significant decline in trade and economic tensions.

Succession Crisis

Another major factor was the succession crisis that arose in the mid-14th century. The English claim to the French throne was based on the fact that King Edward III of England was the grandson of King Philip IV of France. When King Charles IV of France died in 1328, his only son had predeceased him, leaving no male heirs. Edward III, who was the closest relative to the French throne, claimed the throne, leading to a dispute with Charles’s cousin, Philip VI of France.

Flanders and the Low Countries

The 100 Years War also had significant ties to the Flanders region and the Low Countries. Flanders was a major wool-trading center, and the English and French both had significant economic interests in the region. The city of Bruges, in particular, was a key hub for trade and commerce, with many English and French merchants and traders having significant interests there.

Key Events Leading Up to the War

Several key events in the years leading up to the war further escalated tensions between the two nations:

• The Battle of Cadzand (1325): A naval battle between English and French ships off the coast of Flanders, which resulted in the death of several French nobles and further inflamed tensions.

• The Excommunication of King Edward III (1329): Pope John XXII excommunicated King Edward III for his refusal to acknowledge the French throne, leading to a breakdown in diplomatic relations between England and France.

• The War of the Breton Succession (1341-1365): A conflict between England and France over the succession to the Duchy of Brittany, which further destabilized the region and increased tensions between the two nations.

The Outbreak of the War

On June 24, 1340, the Battle of Sluys took place, a major naval battle in which the English fleet, led by King Edward III, defeated the French fleet, leading to a significant escalation of hostilities. This marked the beginning of the 100 Years War.

The War’s Many Phases

The 100 Years War was marked by many phases and cycles of violence, with various periods of relative peace and truce. Some notable phases include:

• The Edwardian War (1337-1360): The early years of the war, characterized by a series of English victories and the capture of key French cities.

• The Lancastrian War (1369-1389): A period of French resurgence, marked by the rise of the Armagnac and Burgundian factions, and the English defeat at the Battle of Castillon.

• The Treaty of Arras (1435): A temporary peace treaty between the two nations, which was eventually broken.

• The Lancastrian-Venustian War (1429-1453): The final phase of the war, marked by the rise of Joan of Arc and the eventual French victory.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 100 Years War was a complex and multifaceted conflict, driven by a range of factors, including economic rivalries, succession crises, and historical tensions between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France. While there is no single cause that can be pinpointed as the sole reason for the war, the interplay of these factors created a volatile and conflict-prone environment that led to over a century of war and bloodshed.

Table: Key Dates and Events

References

• Blockmans, W. P. (2004). The Cambridge Illustrated History of Medieval Europe. Cambridge University Press.
• Contamine, P. (1984). War in the Middle Ages. Basil Blackwell.
• Keen, M. H. (1990). A History of Medieval Europe. Routledge.
• Jones, M. K. (2003). The New Cambridge Medieval History. Cambridge University Press.
• Sumption, J. (2009). The Hundred Years War: Volume I. The Trial by Battle. Faber and Faber.