The Causes of the Hundred Years’ War
The Hundred Years’ War was a prolonged and complex conflict between England and France that lasted for almost a century, from 1337 to 1453. The war was fought over issues of power, territory, and loyalty, and was characterized by a series of distinct periods of conflict and periods of relative peace. In this article, we will delve into the causes of this significant conflict, examining the key factors that led to the outbreak of war.
Economic and Fiscal Disputes
Contents
**Taxation and the English Claim of Supremacy
One of the primary causes of the Hundred Years’ War was the struggle over taxation and the English claim of supremacy in France. The English monarch, King Edward III, believed that his wife, Isabella, was the rightful heir to the French throne, based on her maternal descent from the French royal family. This claim was seen as a threat by the French monarch, Philip VI, who refused to acknowledge it.
The Issue of Gascony
*h2>Gascony and the Foucher of Castillon
Gascony, a province in southwestern France, had been under English control since the 12th century. However, the region was strategically important for trade and commerce, and Philip VI of France saw an opportunity to expand his kingdom. Foucher of Castillon, a French noble, began to secretly negotiate with Edward III, offering to swap Gascony for land in England. Edward III refused, and tensions rose.
The Truce of Paris (1328)
*h2>The Truce and the Treaty of Paris (1328)
The Truce of Paris in 1328 aimed to resolve the disputes between France and England. However, the treaty only strengthened Edward III’s claim to Gascony and deepened the divisions between the two nations. The English maintained control over Gascony, while the French declared it a French province. This led to growing tension and resentment between the two nations.
Languedoc and the Question of Loyalty
**The Alliance of Languedoc and the Question of Loyalty
Languedoc, a region in southern France, was a stronghold of the French monarchy. When Edward III’s cousin, Charles of Navarre, claimed the throne, the French nobility shifted their allegiance to Charles, leading to a divided royal family. This divided royal family created a rift among the nobility and people of France, which had significant implications for the ongoing conflict.
Dynastic and Succession Crises
**The Succession Crisis: The Black Death and its Impact
The Black Death, a pandemic that swept across Europe in the 14th century, had a significant impact on the French nobility. Many noble families were decimated by the disease, leading to disputes over succession and territory. This created an opportunity for Edward III to stake a claim to the French throne, further fueling the conflict.
Bribery and Betrayal
**Bribery and Betrayal: The Count of Flanders
The Count of Flanders, William IV, was a powerful nobility who had connections with both England and France. He was bribed by Edward III to abandon his allegiance to France, adding to the divisions between the two nations.
Outbreak of War (1337)
*h2>**The Battle of Sluys and the Outbreak of War
In 1337, the long-standing tensions between England and France finally boiled over, leading to the outbreak of war. The Battle of Sluys, in which the English naval force defeated the French fleet, marked the beginning of a prolonged and devastating conflict.
