What Causes the Hundred Years’ War?
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 conflict that was sparked by a combination of political, economic, and cultural factors. In this article, we will explore the causes of the Hundred Years’ War and examine the key events and players that shaped the conflict.
The Background to the War
The Hundred Years’ War was a continuation of a long-standing conflict between the Plantagenet kings of England and the Capetian kings of France. The Plantagenets had ruled England since the 12th century, while the Capetians had ruled France since the 10th century. The two dynasties had a long history of rivalry and conflict, and the Hundred Years’ War was the culmination of this rivalry.
The Immediate Causes of the War
The immediate causes of the Hundred Years’ War were a series of disputes over territory and succession. In 1328, the French king Charles IV died without a male heir, leading to a succession crisis. The English king Edward III claimed the French throne, citing his descent from the French royal family through his mother, Isabella of France. However, the French nobles preferred Philip VI, a cousin of Charles IV, to succeed him.
The English Claim to the French Throne
Edward III’s claim to the French throne was based on his descent from the French royal family through his mother, Isabella of France. Isabella was the daughter of Philip IV of France and the sister of Charles IV. Edward III argued that as the son of Isabella, he had a legitimate claim to the French throne.
The French Response
The French nobles rejected Edward III’s claim, citing the Salic Law, a medieval law that prohibited women from inheriting the throne. The French nobles also pointed out that Edward III was not a direct descendant of the French royal family, but rather a descendant of a younger son of the French king.
The First Phase of the War (1337-1360)
The first phase of the Hundred Years’ War began in 1337, when Edward III launched a series of raids on French territories. The English army was led by the Earl of Derby, who was a skilled military leader. The French army was led by the Constable of France, who was a experienced military commander.
The Battle of Crécy (1346)
The first major battle of the Hundred Years’ War was the Battle of Crécy, which took place in 1346. The English army, led by the Earl of Derby, defeated the French army, led by the Constable of France. The English army was smaller than the French army, but it was better trained and equipped. The French army was also weakened by internal divisions and a lack of leadership.
The Battle of Calais (1347)
The Battle of Calais was another significant battle of the first phase of the Hundred Years’ War. The English army, led by the Earl of Derby, besieged the city of Calais, which was a strategic port city in northern France. The French army, led by the Constable of France, attempted to relieve the city, but was defeated by the English army.
The Second Phase of the War (1369-1389)
The second phase of the Hundred Years’ War began in 1369, when the French king Charles V launched a series of attacks on English territories in France. The English army was led by the Earl of Warwick, who was a skilled military leader. The French army was led by the Constable of France, who was a experienced military commander.
The Battle of Poitiers (1356)
The Battle of Poitiers was a significant battle of the second phase of the Hundred Years’ War. The English army, led by the Earl of Warwick, defeated the French army, led by the Constable of France. The French king John II was captured by the English army and held prisoner for several years.
The Third Phase of the War (1415-1453)
The third phase of the Hundred Years’ War began in 1415, when the English king Henry V launched a series of attacks on French territories. The English army was led by Henry V, who was a skilled military leader. The French army was led by the Dauphin, who was a inexperienced military commander.
The Battle of Agincourt (1415)
The Battle of Agincourt was a significant battle of the third phase of the Hundred Years’ War. The English army, led by Henry V, defeated the French army, led by the Dauphin. The English army was smaller than the French army, but it was better trained and equipped. The French army was also weakened by internal divisions and a lack of leadership.
Conclusion
The Hundred Years’ War was a complex and multifaceted conflict that was sparked by a combination of political, economic, and cultural factors. The war was fought between England and France over a period of 116 years, from 1337 to 1453. The war was marked by a series of battles and sieges, including the Battle of Crécy, the Battle of Calais, the Battle of Poitiers, and the Battle of Agincourt. The war ended with the French victory at the Battle of Castillon in 1453.
Table: The Phases of the Hundred Years’ War
| Phase | Dates | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| First Phase | 1337-1360 | Battle of Crécy, Battle of Calais |
| Second Phase | 1369-1389 | Battle of Poitiers |
| Third Phase | 1415-1453 | Battle of Agincourt, Battle of Castillon |
Bullets List: The Causes of the Hundred Years’ War
• The English claim to the French throne
• The French response to the English claim
• The succession crisis in France
• The rivalry between the Plantagenet and Capetian dynasties
• The economic and cultural differences between England and France
