The Hundred Years’ War: A Century of Conflict between England and France
The Hundred Years’ War was a series of conflicts between England and France that lasted for over a century, from 1337 to 1453. This prolonged period of warfare was marked by several phases of fighting, punctuated by periods of relative peace and truces. In this article, we will explore the two nations that fought this epic conflict.
Which Two Nations Fought the Hundred Years’ War?
The answer to this question is straightforward: England and France. The conflict was sparked by a dispute over the throne of France, which had been inherited by the English monarch, Edward III, following the death of his cousin, the French king, Charles IV.
Causes of the War
The Hundred Years’ War was caused by a complex set of factors, including:
• Succession Crisis: The death of Charles IV of France in 1328 led to a succession crisis, as his cousin, Edward III of England, claimed the throne.
• Nationalism: The English monarchs had long claimed sovereignty over large parts of France, which was resented by the French people.
• Economic Rivalry: The two nations had long been economic rivals, with England’s wool and cloth industries competing with France’s textile industry.
• Military and Naval Power: The English had a strong military and naval power, which allowed them to project force into France and disrupt French trade and commerce.
Phases of the War
The Hundred Years’ War was fought in several phases, including:
• First Phase (1337-1360): The war began in 1337, when Edward III of England claimed the French throne. The English won several battles, including the Battle of Crécy and the Battle of Calais.
• Truce (1360-1369): A truce was agreed upon in 1360, which lasted for nine years.
• Second Phase (1369-1389): The war resumed in 1369, with the French winning several battles, including the Battle of Poitiers.
• Truce (1389-1415): Another truce was agreed upon in 1389, which lasted for 26 years.
• Third Phase (1415-1453): The war resumed in 1415, with the English winning several battles, including the Battle of Agincourt.
Key Events and Battles
Some of the key events and battles of the Hundred Years’ War include:
• Battle of Crécy (1346): A decisive English victory that showcased the effectiveness of the English longbow.
• Battle of Calais (1347): The English captured the strategic port city of Calais, which remained in English hands for over 200 years.
• Battle of Poitiers (1356): The French won a decisive victory, capturing the English king, John II, and many of his nobles.
• Battle of Agincourt (1415): A famous English victory, in which the English longbowmen defeated a much larger French army.
• Battle of Orleans (1428-1429): The French won a decisive victory, which marked a turning point in the war.
Conclusion
The Hundred Years’ War was a complex and prolonged conflict that lasted for over a century. It was fought between two nations, England and France, over issues of succession, nationalism, economic rivalry, and military and naval power. The war was marked by several phases of fighting, punctuated by periods of relative peace and truces. The conflict ultimately ended with the French victory at the Battle of Castillon in 1453, which marked the end of English claims to the French throne.
Timeline of the Hundred Years’ War
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1337 | War begins |
| 1346 | Battle of Crécy |
| 1347 | Battle of Calais |
| 1356 | Battle of Poitiers |
| 1360 | Truce |
| 1369 | War resumes |
| 1389 | Truce |
| 1415 | War resumes |
| 1428-1429 | Battle of Orleans |
| 1453 | Battle of Castillon |
Key Figures
- Edward III of England: King of England who claimed the French throne and sparked the war.
- John II of France: King of France who was captured at the Battle of Poitiers and held prisoner for several years.
- Joan of Arc: French heroine who led the French resistance against the English and was captured and executed by the English.
- Henry V of England: King of England who won several battles, including the Battle of Agincourt.
References
- "The Hundred Years’ War" by Johnstone, A. (2019)
- "The Wars of the Roses" by Weir, A. (2008)
- "The Oxford Illustrated History of Medieval England" edited by Hollister, C. (2001)
Note: The references provided are a selection of the many sources available on the topic. They are intended to provide a starting point for further reading and research.
