Who won the 100 years war?

Who Won the 100 Years War?

The 100 Years War, which lasted from 1337 to 1453, was a series of conflicts between England and France that left a lasting impact on European history. The war was fought over a range of issues, including disputes over territory, royal succession, and economic rivalries. So, who ultimately won the 100 Years War?

A Brief Overview of the 100 Years War

The 100 Years War began in 1337, when Edward III of England declared himself king of France, claiming that the French crown had been stolen from his ancestors. The war continued for over a century, with various periods of truce and temporary peace agreements. The conflict was marked by numerous battles, sieges, and campaigns, including the famous Battle of Agincourt and the siege of Orleans.

Who Fought in the War?

The 100 Years War was fought between two main powers: England and France. The war was primarily fought on French soil, with both sides employing various tactics and strategies to gain the upper hand.

English Forces

• Knights: Armored cavalrymen who played a crucial role in battles, particularly in the early years of the war.
• Archers: Skilled bowmen who used longbows and arrows to devastating effect in battles like Agincourt.
• Men-at-Arms: Foot soldiers who fought on foot and were often equipped with lances and swords.

French Forces

• Men-at-Arms: Foot soldiers who fought on foot and were often equipped with pikes and crossbows.
• Chevaliers: Armored knights who fought on horseback.
• Serfs: Peasants who were often forced to fight in battles or perform manual labor.

Who Won the War?

So, who ultimately won the 100 Years War? The answer is complex, as the war had both winners and losers.

English Victories

• Battle of Crecy (1346): A decisive English victory that showcased the effectiveness of longbowmen against French knights.
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• Battle of Calais (1347): An English victory that allowed them to occupy the strategic port city.
• Battle of Agincourt (1415): An English victory that secured significant territory in northern France.

French Victories

• Battle of Orleans (1428): A French victory that relieved the city from English occupation and boosted French morale.
• Battle of Castillon (1453): A French victory that marked the end of the war and secured French independence.

The Treaty of Picquigny (1475)

• The Treaty: Signed between Edward IV of England and Louis XI of France, which ended the conflict and established a temporary peace.
• Terms: The treaty recognized French sovereignty over most of the territories claimed by England, and England retained only a small portion of French territory.

Conclusion

The 100 Years War was a complex and multifaceted conflict that lasted for over a century. While there were both English and French victories, the war ultimately ended with the French gaining the upper hand. The Treaty of Picquigny marked the end of the war, with France gaining recognition as an independent nation and England retaining only a small portion of French territory.

Key Takeaways

• The 100 Years War was a complex and multifaceted conflict that lasted for over a century.
• Both English and French forces had victories throughout the war.
• The war ultimately ended with the French gaining the upper hand and securing French independence.
• The Treaty of Picquigny (1475) marked the end of the war and recognized French sovereignty over most of the territories claimed by England.

Timeline of the 100 Years War

Note: This timeline is not exhaustive, but highlights some of the key events and battles of the 100 Years War.