What were the causes of the 100 years war?

What were the causes of the 100 years war?

The 100 Years War was a series of conflicts between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453. It was a complex and multifaceted conflict that was driven by a combination of political, economic, and social factors. In this article, we will explore the causes of the 100 Years War and examine the key events and players that shaped this pivotal period in European history.

Early Tensions

The seeds of the 100 Years War were sown in the 13th century, when the English and French monarchies began to vie for power and influence in Europe. The French monarchy, under the rule of King Philip IV, had been expanding its territories and had become a major power in Europe. The English monarchy, under the rule of King Edward I, had also been expanding its territories and had become a significant player in European politics.

The Succession Crisis

One of the main causes of the 100 Years War was the succession crisis that occurred in the late 14th century. King Charles IV of France had no male heirs, and the throne was contested by several claimants. The English monarchy, which had a long history of involvement in French politics, saw an opportunity to expand its influence and claim the French throne.

The Marriage of Isabella and Edward

In 1308, King Edward II of England married Isabella, the sister of King Charles IV of France. This marriage created a strong bond between the two monarchies and led to a period of relative peace and cooperation between England and France. However, when King Edward II was deposed in 1327, his son Edward III was placed on the throne, and he began to assert his claim to the French throne.

The French Succession Crisis

In 1328, King Charles IV of France died without a male heir, and the throne was contested by several claimants. The English monarchy, under the rule of King Edward III, saw an opportunity to expand its influence and claim the French throne. The French monarchy, under the rule of King Philip VI, resisted English claims and the two monarchies went to war.

The Causes of the War

The 100 Years War was caused by a combination of political, economic, and social factors. Some of the key causes of the war include:

• Territorial Disputes: The English monarchy had long claimed the French throne and had a history of involvement in French politics. The French monarchy, on the other hand, saw the English as a threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Economic Interests: The English and French monarchies had significant economic interests in each other’s territories. The English monarchy had a strong textile industry and was dependent on French markets, while the French monarchy had a strong agricultural industry and was dependent on English markets.
• Social and Cultural Differences: The English and French monarchies had significant social and cultural differences. The English monarchy was Protestant and had a strong tradition of individualism, while the French monarchy was Catholic and had a strong tradition of feudalism.

The War Begins

The 100 Years War began in 1337, when King Edward III of England declared war on King Philip VI of France. The war was fought on several fronts, including the Hundred Years War, the War of the Breton Succession, and the War of the Spanish Succession.

Key Events

Some of the key events of the 100 Years War include:

• The Battle of Crécy (1346): A decisive English victory that led to the capture of Calais and the beginning of English dominance in the war.
• The Battle of Poitiers (1356): A decisive English victory that led to the capture of King John II of France and the beginning of French defeat.
• The Black Death (1346-1353): A pandemic that devastated Europe and led to significant social and economic changes.
• The Hundred Years War (1337-1453): A series of conflicts that lasted for over a century and had a significant impact on European history.

Conclusion

The 100 Years War was a complex and multifaceted conflict that was driven by a combination of political, economic, and social factors. The war was fought on several fronts and had a significant impact on European history. The causes of the war included territorial disputes, economic interests, and social and cultural differences. The war began in 1337 and lasted for over a century, with significant events including the Battle of Crécy, the Battle of Poitiers, and the Black Death.

Table: Key Dates of the 100 Years War

Bullets List: Key Players

• King Edward III of England: The King of England who declared war on France and led the English armies to several victories.
• King Philip VI of France: The King of France who resisted English claims and led the French armies to several defeats.
• King John II of France: The King of France who was captured at the Battle of Poitiers and held captive by the English for several years.
• Joan of Arc: A French heroine who led the French armies to several victories and was eventually captured and executed by the English.