What started the 100 Years War?
The 100 Years War, one of the most significant conflicts in European history, lasted for approximately 116 years from 1337 to 1453. The war was fought between the kingdoms of England and France, and its causes are multifaceted and complex.
Background**
Prior to the outbreak of the war, the region of Normandy, a large and strategic territory, was under English control due to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. **The English Monarchy, particularly King Edward I (1272-1307), sought to annex Aquitaine, Gascony, and Brittany**, which were under the control of the French King, Philip IV (1285-1314).
**Key Players**
During this period, several significant individuals played crucial roles that would eventually lead to the outbreak of the war.
• **King Edward II of England (1307-1327)**, Edward I’s son, made aggressive claims to the throne of France, which led to tension between the two monarchs.
• **Phillipe VI of France (1328-1350)**, Edward II’s brother-in-law, challenged English claims to the throne, leading to a struggle for power.
• **Philip VI’s son, Charles V of France (1337-1380)**, who became king during the war, was the chief antagonist of the conflict.
The Turning Point**
The war was sparked by a series of events that began in **1340**, when the French king, Philip VI, seized the English kingdom of Aquitaine in the south of France, a move that was in **violation of an agreement** between the two nations. **Edward III of England (1327-1377)**, the son of Edward II and Philip VI’s granddaughter-in-law, responded to this aggression by declaring the kingdom of France in dispute.
**Key Events that led to the War**
1. **The disputed throne of France**: When Edward III claimed the throne of France, Philip VI challenged his legitimacy, resulting in a **civil war within the French royal family**.
2. **The French seizure of the Duchy of Aquitaine**: Philip VI took control of Aquitaine, a crucial territory owned by the English monarchy.
3. **The Anglo-French naval war**: England and France engaged in a series of naval battles, with the English successfully winning the **Battle of Sluys** (1340) and subsequently disrupting French trade and control.
Reasons for the War’s Prolongation**
Several factors contributed to the prolonged duration of the 100 Years War:
• **Cecilie of Ingoldsby**: The complex marital relationships between the families of Edward III and his enemies, including the Duchesse de Brabant’s son, made it **difficult to negotiate peace**.
• **Varying alliances**: Power shifts in Europe led to the formation of **mutual alliances and rivalries** between nations, involving powers such as the Holy Roman Empire, Spain, Flanders, and Scotland, making it challenging to identify a single cause for the war’s continuation.
• **The rise of Nationalism**: The war exacerbated feelings of **nationalist fervor** in England and France, making **surrender and territorial compromise** more difficult for the leaders.
Conclusion**
The 100 Years War was an complex and multifaceted conflict that arose from **interconnected disputes over succession, territory, and diplomacy**. The war continued due to **power dynamics**, **marital relations**, and **nationalistic fervor**. Its lasting impact on European politics and society remains significant even today.
**Timeline: The 100 Years War**
| Year | Events |
| — | — |
| 1337 | Edward III declares himself king of France |
| 1340 | Philip VI seizes Aquitaine; Battle of Sluys |
| 1356 | Battle of Poitiers; Black Prince captures French king John II |
| 1429 | Joan of Arc captures Orleans; French begins to regain territory |
| 1453 | Louis XI of France defeats John II of Castile |
In conclusion, the causes of the 100 Years War were **complex**, with multiple factors contributing to the outbreak and prolongation of the conflict. While this article has highlighted several significant events and players, a deeper understanding of this complex period requires further investigation.
