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The Hundred Years' War: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Anglo-French Conflict (1337-1453)

GOOVER DAILY REPORT July 9, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Introduction to the Hundred Years' War
  3. Phases of the Hundred Years' War
  4. Major Battles and Campaigns
  5. Impact on Military Tactics and Technologies
  6. Socio-Political Consequences
  7. Relations Between England and France Post-War
  8. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The Hundred Years' War was a prolonged conflict between England and France, lasting from 1337 to 1453. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the war's causes, phases, and outcomes, detailing pivotal battles, political dynamics, and military tactics. The war began with territorial disputes and claims to the French throne by Edward III of England against Philip VI of France. Key phases of the war included the Edwardian War, the Caroline War, and the Lancastrian War, each marked by significant battles such as Crécy and Agincourt. The conflict led to notable advancements in military strategies, especially in artillery and longbow use, and contributed to the decline of feudalism and the rise of stronger national identities in both England and France. Using verified historical documents, the report provides insights into the socio-political consequences of the war and its lasting impact on European state systems and diplomacy.

2. Introduction to the Hundred Years' War

  • 2-1. Background and Initial Causes

  • Since the Norman conquest of England in 1066, English monarchs held titles and lands within France, which made them vassals of the French kings. The status of the English king's French fiefs was a significant source of conflict between the two monarchies during the Middle Ages. French monarchs consistently aimed to curb English power, seizing lands whenever possible. By 1337, only Gascony in southwestern France and Ponthieu in northern France remained under English control. A series of disagreements between Philip VI of France and Edward III of England climaxed when Philip's Great Council decided that the Duchy of Aquitaine, essentially Gascony, should be reclaimed by Philip due to Edward's breach of vassal obligations. This decision marked the kickoff of the Hundred Years' War, which lasted 116 years.

  • 2-2. Claims to the French Throne

  • The first phase of the Hundred Years' War, often called the Edwardian War (1337–1360), began when King Edward III of England claimed the French throne against King Philip VI of France. Edward inherited the Duchy of Aquitaine and, as Duke, was a vassal to Philip VI. Initially, Edward accepted Philip's rule but their relationship deteriorated when Philip allied with Edward's adversary, King David II of Scotland. Edward provided refuge to Robert III of Artois, a French fugitive, which led to Philip seizing the Duchy of Aquitaine. This action prompted Edward to declare himself king of France in 1340, escalating the conflict.

  • 2-3. Political and Territorial Disputes

  • The medieval period saw continuous disputes over territories and claims to titles between England and France. The independent-minded Gascons, who had distinct customs and claimed a separate language, preferred the distant English king to the French king who would interfere in their affairs. Key battles during the conflict included Crécy (1346) and Calais (1347), with English forces led by Edward III and his son, Edward the Black Prince, achieving significant victories. Despite various truces, such as those during the Black Death, the war persisted until well into the 15th century, transforming both nations politically and territorially.

3. Phases of the Hundred Years' War

  • 3-1. The Edwardian War (1337-1360)

  • The Edwardian War represents the initial phase of the Hundred Years' War, occurring from 1337 to 1360. This period is named after King Edward III of England, who instigated the conflict by claiming the French throne against King Philip VI of France. Key causes of this phase included disputes over the French feudal sovereignty over Aquitaine and English claims to the French royal title. King Edward III declared himself the king of France in 1340. The English led notable victories at battles such as Auberoche (1345), Crécy (1346), and Calais (1347). This period also witnessed the significant interruption of conflict due to the Black Death in the mid-1350s.

  • 3-2. The Caroline War (1369-1389)

  • The Caroline War refers to the second phase of the Hundred Years' War, lasting from 1369 to 1389. This phase saw a resurgence of hostilities after the relative peace following the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360. King Charles V of France took a more aggressive stance, leading to the reclaiming of territories lost to the English. This period was marked by guerrilla tactics and attritional warfare, significantly different from the set-piece battles of the previous phase.

  • 3-3. The Lancastrian War (1415-1453)

  • The Lancastrian War denotes the final phase of the Hundred Years' War, spanning from 1415 to 1453. Initiated by the English King Henry V's ambitions, this phase is renowned for notable engagements like the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Despite early successes by the English, including the conquest of Normandy and a decisive victory at Agincourt, the tide turned with the emergence of Joan of Arc as a pivotal French leader. Her involvement culminated in significant French victories, leading to the eventual expulsion of English forces from French territory by the end of the war in 1453.

4. Major Battles and Campaigns

  • 4-1. Battle of Auberoche (1345)

  • The Battle of Auberoche, which took place in 1345, was one of the notable engagements during the Hundred Years' War. According to the document 'Hundred Years' War, 1337–1360', this battle was part of the first phase of the war, which was dominated by English victories. The conflict was initiated by King Edward III of England, who claimed the French throne, leading to a series of military engagements. Edward, along with his son the Black Prince, led successful campaigns, including the victory at Auberoche.

  • 4-2. Battle of Crécy (1346)

  • The Battle of Crécy in 1346 was another significant battle during the Hundred Years' War. As mentioned in 'Hundred Years' War, 1337–1360', Edward III's campaign in France saw considerable success, with the Battle of Crécy being a pivotal victory for the English. This battle showcased the effectiveness of the English longbowmen and marked a turning point in medieval warfare.

  • 4-3. Siege of Calais (1347)

  • The Siege of Calais occurred in 1347 and was a crucial event during the early phase of the Hundred Years' War. According to the same document, following their success in battles like Crécy, Edward III and his forces laid siege to Calais. The capture of Calais provided the English with a strategic foothold on the continent and demonstrated the increasing dominance of English military tactics at the time.

  • 4-4. Battle of Agincourt (1415)

  • The Battle of Agincourt, fought in 1415, was one of the most famous battles of the Hundred Years' War. While the referenced documents mainly cover earlier phases, it is well known that the Battle of Agincourt marked a significant victory for the English under King Henry V. This battle demonstrated the effectiveness of English archers and solidified Henry V's reputation as a formidable military leader.

5. Impact on Military Tactics and Technologies

  • 5-1. Introduction of Professional Standing Armies

  • The Hundred Years' War significantly transformed standing armies. During this period, there was a notable shift from feudal levies, which were temporary and largely composed of vassals, to professional soldiers. This transformation marked the beginning of the modern state system with centralized military power and paved the way for more organized and professional military structures. The use of professional armies became a standard strategy, contributing to the development of national identities in both England and France.

  • 5-2. Advancements in Artillery and Siege Warfare

  • Advancements in artillery and siege warfare were prominent during the Hundred Years' War. The conflict spurred the development of more sophisticated siege tactics and the use of artillery, such as cannons, which played a crucial role in military campaigns. These technological innovations increased the effectiveness of sieges and changed the nature of warfare, making fortified structures more vulnerable to attacks.

  • 5-3. Changes in Cavalry and Infantry Tactics

  • The tactics used by cavalry and infantry underwent significant changes throughout the Hundred Years' War. One of the notable shifts was in the use of longbows by English archers, which provided a range advantage over the traditional cavalry charges used by the French. Battles like Crécy (1346) and Agincourt (1415) demonstrated the effectiveness of these new tactics, where English forces successfully used longbows to decimate larger cavalry forces. These tactical innovations contributed to the decline of the feudal cavalry-dominated military system and led to more balanced and integrated army compositions.

6. Socio-Political Consequences

  • 6-1. Decline of Feudalism in England

  • One significant effect of the Hundred Years' War was the end of feudalism in England and the emergence of a strong, centralized monarchy. This marked a transition towards a more modern state system. The shift was driven by the transformation of standing armies from feudal levies to professional soldiers. This transition spurred the development of new military tactics and technology.

  • 6-2. Strengthening of National Identities

  • The Hundred Years' War played a crucial role in the rise of strong national identities in both England and France. This development was primarily due to the centralization of military power and the formation of professional armies. The conflict, characterized by renowned battles such as Crécy, Poitiers, and Agincourt, along with notable figures like Joan of Arc, contributed significantly to the emerging sense of national identity during this period.

  • 6-3. Transition to Modern State Systems

  • The dramatic changes during and following the Hundred Years' War led to the decline of feudal structures and the emergence of centralized monarchies, particularly in England. The shift towards more organized, professional armies, alongside the development of new military tactics, laid the groundwork for modern state systems. This transition was crucial in shaping the political landscape of Europe, marking a move away from decentralized feudalism to a more centralized and modern state apparatus.

7. Relations Between England and France Post-War

  • 7-1. Political and Diplomatic Relations

  • Following the conclusion of the Hundred Years' War, the political and diplomatic relations between England and France underwent significant changes. The outcome of the war saw England lose almost all of its French holdings, which led to subsequent English kings becoming more culturally English. This was a departure from the previous norm where English royalty often spent considerable time in French castles and spoke French. An example of this change can be observed in the reign of Henry III and onwards, where English kings embraced their English identity more fully.

  • 7-2. Repercussions in Scotland and Other Regions

  • The diplomatic dynamics of the post-war period were also influenced by the relationship between France and Scotland. Historically, France maintained good relations with Scotland, often siding with it in conflicts against England. The Auld Alliance treaty of 1295 exemplified this relationship by ensuring mutual support between Scotland and France in case of an English attack. This alliance underscored the compounded hostility towards England, directly affecting diplomatic strategies. The treaty remained in place until it was replaced by the Treaty of Edinburgh in 1560, which included England, Scotland, and France. Over time, the conflict and competition between England and France persisted as Britain emerged as a dominant commercial and maritime power from the early 18th century onward, continuing to influence bilateral relations.

8. Conclusion

  • The Hundred Years' War significantly reshaped Europe's political and military structures. The conflict, initiated by Edward III's claim to the French throne against Philip VI, spanned over a century and resulted in the decline of feudalism and the emergence of centralized monarchies, especially in England. Despite French victory, the war catalyzed the development of national identities and professional standing armies, marking a shift from feudal levies. The key battles, notably the Battle of Crécy and the Battle of Agincourt, highlighted the effectiveness of English longbowmen and advancements in siege warfare. The war's outcomes fostered profound changes in military tactics and technologies, which laid the groundwork for modern state systems. However, the report acknowledges that the war left both nations strained and set the stage for future conflicts. Moving forward, the continued evolution of military strategies and political frameworks rooted in the Hundred Years' War will remain a subject of historical and strategic significance.

9. Glossary

  • 9-1. Hundred Years' War [Event]

  • A prolonged series of conflicts between England and France from 1337 to 1453, primarily over territorial claims and the right to the French throne. The war is noted for its significant battles, influence on military tactics, and its role in the decline of feudalism and the rise of centralized monarchies.

  • 9-2. Edward III [Person]

  • King of England who initiated the Hundred Years' War by claiming the French throne in defiance of King Philip VI of France. His military campaigns during the Edwardian phase of the war laid the groundwork for later English successes.

  • 9-3. Philip VI [Person]

  • King of France whose attempt to reclaim the Duchy of Aquitaine from Edward III of England sparked the Hundred Years' War. His reign marked the beginning of the prolonged conflict between the two kingdoms.

  • 9-4. Battle of Crécy [Battle]

  • A major battle in 1346, where the English forces, under the command of Edward III and the Black Prince, defeated the French army. The battle exemplified the effectiveness of the longbow and marked a turning point in medieval warfare.

  • 9-5. Feudalism [System]

  • A hierarchical system of land ownership and duties prevalent in medieval Europe. The Hundred Years' War saw the decline of feudalism, particularly in England, where it was replaced by a more centralized form of government.

10. Source Documents