The 100 Years War: A Complex Conflict with Multiple Causes
The 100 Years War was a prolonged conflict between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France that lasted from 1337 to 1453. The war was marked by multiple phases of fighting, peace treaties, and shifting alliances, making it a complex and multifaceted conflict. So, what caused the 100 Years War?
The Immediate Trigger: The Succession Crisis
The immediate trigger for the 100 Years War was a succession crisis. King Charles IV of France died in 1328 without a male heir, leading to a dispute over who should inherit the throne. The King’s son, Philip VI, was crowned King of France, but the English monarchy claimed the right to the throne through the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine, the mother of Richard the Lionheart, to Louis VII of France.
The Problem of Territory and Sovereignty
The issue of territory and sovereignty was a long-standing one between England and France. The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 had left the two countries with a complex web of feudal relationships and territorial claims. The English monarchy had gained control of large parts of France, including Normandy, Maine, and Anjou, through the Norman Conquest.
Economic Factors
Economic factors also played a significant role in the outbreak of the war. The wool trade was a major contributor to the English economy, and the English monarchy relied heavily on this trade to finance its wars. The French monarchy, on the other hand, sought to reduce the English trade monopoly and assert its control over the French textile industry.
Feudal Alliances and the Rise of the Mobility
Feudal alliances and the rise of the nobility were another factor that contributed to the war. The English nobility had long maintained close ties with the French nobility, and many English nobles had family connections to French nobles. The French nobility, on the other hand, were increasingly hostile towards the English monarchy, which they saw as an outsider.
The Conflict Escalates
In 1337, Edward III of England, who was Philip VI’s nephew and the son of Isabella of France and Edward II, launched a campaign to assert his claim to the French throne. The First Phase of the War, which lasted from 1337 to 1360, was marked by a series of English victories in France, including the Battle of Crécy and the Battle of Calais.
The Black Death and its Consequences
In 1348, the Black Death, a pandemic that swept through Europe, killed an estimated 30% of the French population. This led to social and economic upheaval, as the feudal system began to collapse. The English monarchy took advantage of this situation, launching a series of military campaigns in France and winning significant victories.
The Truce of Calais
In 1360, the Truce of Calais was signed, bringing an end to the First Phase of the war. The truce recognized Edward III’s title to the French throne and established peaceful relations between the two countries.
The Resumption of Fighting
In 1369, Charles V of France launched a successful campaign against the English, driving them out of much of western France. This marked the beginning of the Second Phase of the War, which lasted until 1389.
The English Captivity of Jean II of France
In 1356, Jean II of France, the brother of Charles V, was captured at the Battle of Poitiers. He was held captive in England for the next 12 years, a situation that further strained relations between the two countries.
The Treaty of Picquigny
In 1396, The Treaty of Picquigny was signed, establishing peaceful relations between the two countries. However, this treaty did not bring an end to the war, which continued to simmer in the background.
The Last Phase of the War
The last phase of the war, which lasted from 1415 to 1453, was marked by a series of English victories in France, including the Battle of Agincourt. The War of the Public Weal, a movement led by Joan of Arc, was also launched during this period. The French monarchy eventually drove the English out of France, and the war came to an end with the Treaty of Castillon in 1453.
Conclusion
The 100 Years War was a complex conflict with multiple causes, including the succession crisis, the problem of territory and sovereignty, economic factors, feudal alliances, and the rise of the nobility. The war was marked by multiple phases of fighting, peace treaties, and shifting alliances, making it a fascinating and complex topic to study.
