The Hundred Years' War was a series of conflicts fought between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France from 1337 to 1453. Despite its name, the war lasted 116 years and was marked by several distinct phases, with periods of peace and truces interspersed among bouts of warfare. Here are some key aspects:
Origins
- The war's roots lie in the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror, who was Duke of Normandy, creating a dual monarchy with claims over both England and parts of France.
- Disputes over the Duchy of Aquitaine, which was under English control but feudal to the French Crown, led to conflicts.
- The French Crown's claim that the English king owed homage for his French lands, coupled with the complex succession issue following the death of Charles IV of France without a direct male heir, provided the spark for the war.
Phases of the War
Key Battles and Events
- Battle of Crécy (1346): A pivotal English victory where the longbow proved its worth.
- Battle of Poitiers (1356): Another English victory where the French king was captured.
- Battle of Agincourt (1415): A legendary victory for Henry V, despite being heavily outnumbered.
- Siege of Orléans (1428–1429): A turning point where Joan of Arc led the French to victory.
Impact and Consequences
- The war left both countries economically strained, with France particularly devastated.
- It contributed to the development of national identity in both nations, especially in France.
- Technological and tactical innovations in warfare, like the use of the longbow and gunpowder, were advanced.
- The Treaty of Picquigny (1475) marked the end of hostilities, with England giving up its claims to the French throne.
Sources
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