The Treaty of Brétigny was a significant diplomatic agreement signed in 1360 between Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France. This treaty was part of the ongoing Hundred Years' War and was aimed at bringing a temporary peace between the two nations.
Background
The Hundred Years' War had been raging since 1337, with numerous battles and skirmishes leading to significant losses on both sides. By 1360, England, under King Edward III, had captured King John II of France at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, which gave England leverage in negotiations.
Terms of the Treaty
- Land Transfers: France agreed to cede several territories to England, including Aquitaine, Calais, and Ponthieu. These lands were to be held in full sovereignty by Edward III, not as a vassal of the French crown.
- Ransom for King John II: France was to pay a ransom of three million gold ecus for the release of King John II.
- Marriage Alliance: A marriage was arranged between Edward III's son, Edward the Black Prince, and a daughter of the French king.
- Homage: Edward III renounced his claim to the French throne, but this was a contentious point and not fully resolved by the treaty.
Confirmation at Calais
After initial negotiations in Brétigny, the treaty was confirmed and further detailed in Calais later in the same year, thus it is also known as the Treaty of Calais.
Impact and Aftermath
Although the treaty aimed to bring lasting peace, it was not entirely successful:
- The ransom was never fully paid, leading to continued tension.
- Edward III's renunciation of his claim to the French throne was not universally accepted in England.
- The Aquitaine issue remained a point of contention, leading to further conflicts, notably the War of the Aquitaine.
Ultimately, the treaty was annulled in 1369 when hostilities resumed, leading to the next phase of the Hundred Years' War.
Historical Significance
The Treaty of Brétigny is notable for:
- It demonstrated the extent of English military and diplomatic power in France during this period.
- It provided a model for territorial concessions that would influence later treaties in European diplomacy.
- It highlighted the complexities of medieval sovereignty and the personal union of crowns.
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