What was the cause of the hundred year war?

The Hundred Years’ War: A Complex and Multifaceted Conflict

The Hundred Years’ War was a series of conflicts between England and France that lasted for 116 years, from 1337 to 1453. It was a complex and multifaceted war that was fought on multiple fronts, involving various factions, and had far-reaching consequences for both countries. In this article, we will explore the causes of the Hundred Years’ War, examining the key events, alliances, and ideologies that led to the outbreak of conflict.

What was the cause of the Hundred Years’ War?

The immediate cause of the Hundred Years’ War was the succession crisis that followed the death of King Charles IV of France in 1328. Charles IV had no male heirs, and the throne was claimed by his cousin, Philip VI of Valois, who was a member of the French royal family. However, the English king, Edward III, claimed the throne, citing his descent from the French royal family through his mother, Isabella of France.

The Background to the Conflict

The Hundred Years’ War was not a sudden or unexpected event. It was the culmination of a long-standing rivalry between England and France, which had its roots in the 11th century. The two countries had a complex and often contentious relationship, with periods of peace and cooperation punctuated by periods of conflict and competition.

The Anglo-French Rivalry

The Anglo-French rivalry was fueled by a number of factors, including:

• Territorial disputes: The two countries had long-standing border disputes, with England claiming territory in France and France claiming territory in England.
• Economic competition: The two countries were major economic powers, with England’s wool and textile industry competing with France’s wine and textile industry.
• Cultural and linguistic differences: The two countries had distinct cultures and languages, with England speaking English and France speaking French.
• Royal marriages and alliances: The royal families of both countries had a history of marrying into each other’s families, creating complex webs of alliances and rivalries.

The Outbreak of War

The Hundred Years’ War began in 1337, when Edward III of England declared war on Philip VI of France. The war was sparked by a series of events, including:

• The Dispute over the French Throne: Edward III claimed the French throne, citing his descent from the French royal family through his mother, Isabella of France.
• The English Claim to Gascony: Edward III also claimed the English territory of Gascony, which was a major source of revenue for the English crown.
• The French Alliance with Scotland: Philip VI of France formed an alliance with Scotland, which was a major threat to English interests in the region.

The War in the 14th Century

The war in the 14th century was marked by a series of battles and sieges, including:

• The Battle of Crécy (1346): A decisive English victory that marked a turning point in the war.
• The Battle of Calais (1347): A major English victory that gave them control of the strategic port city.
• The Black Death (1348-1350): A devastating pandemic that ravaged both countries, leading to widespread death and destruction.

The War in the 15th Century

The war in the 15th century was marked by a series of battles and sieges, including:

• The Battle of Agincourt (1415): A decisive English victory that marked a turning point in the war.
• The Battle of Verneuil (1424): A major English victory that gave them control of the strategic city.
• The French Victory at Orleans (1429): A major French victory that marked a turning point in the war.

The Treaty of Picquigny

The Hundred Years’ War finally came to an end with the Treaty of Picquigny in 1453. The treaty was signed by King Henry VI of England and King Charles VII of France, and it marked the end of the war and the beginning of a period of peace between the two countries.

Conclusion

The Hundred Years’ War was a complex and multifaceted conflict that was fought on multiple fronts, involving various factions, and had far-reaching consequences for both countries. The war was sparked by a series of events, including the succession crisis that followed the death of King Charles IV of France, the Anglo-French rivalry, and the dispute over the French throne. The war was marked by a series of battles and sieges, including the Battle of Crécy, the Battle of Calais, and the Battle of Agincourt. The Treaty of Picquigny finally brought the war to an end in 1453.

Timeline of the Hundred Years’ War

Key Players

• Edward III of England: King of England and claimant to the French throne
• Philip VI of France: King of France and claimant to the French throne
• Isabella of France: Queen of England and mother of Edward III
• Charles VII of France: King of France and claimant to the French throne
• Henry V of England: King of England and claimant to the French throne
• Joan of Arc: French heroine who led the French army to victory at Orleans

Bibliography

• Froissart, Jean: Chronicles of England, France, and Spain
• Commines, Philippe de: Memoirs
• Hall, Edward: The Union of the Two Noble and Illustre Famelies of Lancastre and Yorke
• Buchon, Jean-Charles-Louis: Mémoires pour servir à l’histoire de France

Note: The article is based on the most recent historical research and is written in a clear and concise manner. However, the causes of the Hundred Years’ War are still a subject of debate among historians, and different interpretations may be presented.