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The Hundred Years' War: Causes, Key Figures, and Impact on England and France

GOOVER DAILY REPORT July 18, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. The Root Causes of the Hundred Years' War
  3. Key Phases of the Hundred Years' War
  4. Prominent Figures in the Hundred Years' War
  5. Social and Political Impact of the War
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report titled 'The Hundred Years' War: Causes, Key Figures, and Impact on England and France' explores the intricate historical event that spanned from 1337 to 1453. The primary focus is on examining the root causes, notable phases, key figures, and the socioeconomic and political repercussions of the war. Initiated due to English kings holding Gascony as vassals of the French king and a dynastic dispute over the French throne, the conflict is divided into three major phases: the Edwardian War, Caroline War, and Lancastrian War. Prominent figures like Edward III, The Black Prince, Henry V, and Joan of Arc played critical roles in shaping the war's course. The report also delves into the significant transitions, such as the decline of feudalism and the evolution of military tactics, which had long-lasting impacts on both England and France.

2. The Root Causes of the Hundred Years' War

  • 2-1. Vassalage of English Kings in Gascony

  • The fundamental source of conflict in the Hundred Years' War was that the English kings held Gascony as vassals of the French king. This arrangement led to tensions and disputes between the English monarchs and the French crown, ultimately sparking the prolonged conflict known as the Hundred Years' War. The English kings' possession of Gascony as vassals contributed to persistent friction and resentment, which played a crucial role in the onset of the war.

  • 2-2. Claim to the French Throne

  • A primary cause of the Hundred Years' War was the dynastic dispute over the legitimate succession to the French throne. The English Plantagenet kings, particularly Edward III, claimed the French crown through his mother, Isabella, who was the daughter of the French king Philip IV. This claim led to a longstanding conflict between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France. Additional economic and territorial issues, as well as longstanding animosity between the two nations, also contributed to the war's outbreak.

3. Key Phases of the Hundred Years' War

  • 3-1. Edwardian War (1337-1360)

  • The Edwardian War was the first phase of the Hundred Years' War, marked by the ambition of Edward III to maintain sovereignty in Aquitaine and to assert his claim as the rightful king of France. The conflict began when Philip VI of France confiscated the duchy of Aquitaine, to which Edward III responded by declaring himself king of France in 1340. Significant events during this period included the Battle of Crécy (1346) and the Battle of Poitiers (1356), where the French king John II was captured. The phase concluded with the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, which granted Edward III sovereignty over significant territories in France.

  • 3-2. Caroline War (1369-1389)

  • The Caroline War, named after Charles V of France, began in 1369 after the Black Prince, son of Edward III, refused to answer a summons from the French king, leading Charles V to resume hostilities. This phase saw the French successfully reclaiming many of the territories lost to the English, culminating in the Treaty of Brétigny being effectively nullified. The war continued with intermittent truces until it ended in 1389, leaving the English with diminished territorial control.

  • 3-3. Lancastrian War (1415-1453)

  • The Lancastrian War, the final phase of the Hundred Years' War, began in 1415 when Henry V of England invaded Normandy. This period included the famous Battle of Agincourt (1415), where Henry V achieved significant victories. However, the tide turned with the involvement of Joan of Arc, who inspired a resurgence in French resistance. By 1453, the English had lost nearly all their territories in France, except for Calais. The Lancastrian War formally concluded with the Treaty of Picquigny in 1475, although hostilities effectively ended in 1453.

4. Prominent Figures in the Hundred Years' War

  • 4-1. Edward III

  • Edward III (1312–1377) was the English king who initiated the Hundred Years' War. He declared himself the rightful heir to the French throne and sought to assert his claim through military campaigns. Under his leadership, English forces achieved significant early successes in battles such as Crécy (1346) and Poitiers (1356). His ambition to maintain sovereignty in Aquitaine and to unseat Philip VI of France was a driving force in the conflict. Edward III's reign also saw the evolution of the English parliament and the ravages of the Black Death.

  • 4-2. The Black Prince

  • Edward of Woodstock, commonly known as the Black Prince (1330–1376), was the eldest son of Edward III. He gained his reputation as a formidable military leader at a young age, notably at the Battle of Crécy (1346) and the Battle of Poitiers (1356), the latter resulting in the capture of the French King John II. His military prowess and chivalric values earned him fame and respect. As Lord of Aquitaine, he ruled a significant territory and held a magnificent court in Bordeaux. Despite his successes, his health declined later in life, impacting his ability to lead.

  • 4-3. Henry V

  • Henry V (1386–1422) is remembered for his military leadership during the Lancastrian Phase of the Hundred Years' War. His victory at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 is one of the most celebrated English triumphs of the war. Henry V's military campaigns were marked by his tactical acumen and his ability to inspire his troops. The Treaty of Troyes (1420) recognized him as the heir to the French throne. Despite his successes, his early death in 1422 left England in a vulnerable position as the war continued.

  • 4-4. Joan of Arc

  • Joan of Arc (1412–1431) was a French peasant who became a national heroine for her role in the Lancastrian Phase of the Hundred Years' War. Claiming to have received visions from saints instructing her to support Charles VII and recover France from English domination, she inspired French troops and led them to several victories, including the pivotal siege of Orléans. Joan's efforts significantly boosted French morale and led to Charles VII's coronation at Reims. She was captured by the English-allied Burgundians, tried for heresy, and burned at the stake, later being canonized as a Roman Catholic saint.

  • 4-5. Charles V of France

  • Charles V of France (1338–1380), known as Charles the Wise, played a crucial role during the Caroline Phase of the Hundred Years' War. After the Treaty of Brétigny, Charles V resumed hostilities against England. He successfully reversed many of the territorial losses imposed on France, demonstrating effective military and diplomatic strategies. His reign marked a period of French resurgence despite the ongoing conflict, and his efforts laid the groundwork for future French successes throughout the war.

5. Social and Political Impact of the War

  • 5-1. Transition from Feudalism to Centralized Monarchies

  • The Hundred Years' War significantly contributed to the decline of feudalism and the rise of centralized monarchies in both England and France. This shift was driven by the need for more effective governance and streamlined military operations, which were essential for sustaining long-term conflict. The war necessitated the establishment of stronger central authority to manage resources, enforce taxation, and maintain order, ultimately reducing the power of the feudal lords and increasing the power of the monarchs.

  • 5-2. Impact on Peasants and Nobility

  • The war heavily impacted both the peasants and the nobility. For the peasants, the conflict brought devastation through raiding armies, mercenaries, and bandits, leading to destroyed farms and economic hardship. However, some, like merchants, profited from the wartime economy by supplying goods and services. For the nobility, the war altered their roles and importance within society. The rise of professional armies meant that nobles were no longer the primary military leaders, which diminished their influence but also transformed the socio-political landscape, integrating them into the emerging centralized power structures.

  • 5-3. Evolution of Military Tactics

  • The Hundred Years' War saw a notable evolution in military tactics. One significant development was the increased use of infantry and longbows, which revolutionized battlefield strategies. Both English and French forces adapted to these changes, leading to more organized and effective military campaigns. The English longbowmen, in particular, played a crucial role in several key victories, including the battles of Crécy and Agincourt, demonstrating the effectiveness of new tactics over traditional knight-dominated warfare.

6. Conclusion

  • The Hundred Years' War was a seminal event that profoundly influenced the history of medieval Europe, fundamentally altering the political and societal landscapes of England and France. The dynastic ambitions and claims to the French throne by figures like Edward III catalyzed a conflict characterized by critical battles and significant military figures, including The Black Prince and Joan of Arc. The Treaty of Brétigny and the role of longbowmen epitomized the shifting tactics and territorial negotiations of the era. The conflict's ultimate consequence was the decline of feudal systems and the rise of centralized monarchies, fostering stronger national identities. Despite intermittent truces, the enduring rivalry shaped the later development of modern European states. While the report comprehensively covers the war's myriad dimensions, it should be noted that understanding the broader regional impacts and cross-referencing with contemporary conflicts could provide deeper insights. Future historical research may further unravel the localized effects and lesser-known figures who contributed to this transformative epoch. The findings underscore the importance of strategic leadership and adaptability in warfare and governance, lessons that remain relevant in contemporary political and military strategies.

7. Glossary

  • 7-1. Edward III [Person]

  • King of England who initiated the Hundred Years' War by asserting a claim to the French throne. His reign saw the first phase of the war and significant military successes, including the Battle of Crécy.

  • 7-2. The Black Prince [Person]

  • Edward of Woodstock, son of Edward III, known for his military leadership and chivalric reputation during the Hundred Years' War. He played a crucial role in battles such as Crécy and Poitiers.

  • 7-3. Joan of Arc [Person]

  • A French heroine and saint who played a pivotal role in lifting the Siege of Orléans and turning the tide in favor of France during the Lancastrian phase of the Hundred Years' War.

  • 7-4. Gascony [Territory]

  • A region in southwestern France held by English kings as vassals of the French king, contributing significantly to the tensions that sparked the Hundred Years' War.

  • 7-5. Treaty of Bretigny [Event]

  • A treaty signed in 1360 that temporarily ended hostilities during the Edwardian phase of the Hundred Years' War, granting significant territorial gains to England.

  • 7-6. Longbowmen [Military Unit]

  • Key English military unit renowned for their effectiveness in battles such as Crécy. Their usage marked a significant tactical evolution in medieval warfare during the Hundred Years' War.

8. Source Documents