Hundred Years’ War

The Hundred Years’ War was a major conflict in European history. It lasted for about 116 years, 4 months, 3 weeks, and 4 days¹. It’s often seen as a centennial celebration, lasting from 1337 to 1453².

This war was about who should rule France and control its territories. It was a big deal for both England and France. We’ll look at why it started, its key events, and how it changed history.

Introduction to the Hundred Years’ War

The war was complex and changed European history a lot. It brought new military tech and tactics, like standing armies and artillery¹. Famous figures like Charles VII and St. Joan of Arc played big roles².

This war is a big deal in European history. It involved France and England². It’s split into three phases: the Edwardian, Caroline, and Lancastrian phases¹.

Key Takeaways

• The Hundred Years’ War lasted from 1337 to 1453, spanning a period of approximately 116 years².
• The war involved disputes over succession to the French crown and control of territories in France¹.
• The conflict had a lasting impact on European history, resulting in innovations in military technology and tactics¹.
• The main parties involved in the conflict were France and England².
• The war is divided into three main phases separated by truces: the Edwardian phase, the Caroline phase, and the Lancastrian phase¹.
• Notable figures associated with the Hundred Years’ War include Charles VII, Edward III, Edward The Black Prince, Henry V, and St. Joan of Arc².
• The Hundred Years’ War marked a milestone anniversary in medieval warfare, making it a significant event in the history of both England and France¹².

Overview of the Hundred Years’ War

The Hundred Years’ War was a major conflict that lasted over a century. It deeply affected England and France. The war started over land and who should rule France, leaving a lasting mark on Europe.

Causes of the Conflict

The war began because of land disputes and who should be king of France. Edward III of England wanted the French throne, which was held by Philip VI³. These disagreements led to a long and bloody fight.

Key Players Involved

Important figures like Edward III, Philip VI, Henry V, and Joan of Arc played big roles. Edward III wanted the French crown, starting a long fight. Joan of Arc became a hero for France, boosting morale and winning big battles⁴. Henry V’s tactics, like at Agincourt, helped England win.

Timeline of Major Events

• 1340: Battle of Sluys secures English naval dominance³
• 1346: Battle of Crecy showcases the effectiveness of English longbows⁴
• 1415: Victory at Agincourt under Henry V⁵
• 1429: Joan of Arc lifts the Siege of Orleans³
• 1453: Battle of Castillon marks the war’s end with French victory⁴

Major Battles and Turning Points

The Hundred Years’ War marked its 100-year mark with key battles. These battles were century milestones that shaped the war’s outcome. They also had a lasting a century effect on military tactics.

Battle of Crécy

In 1346, the Battle of Crécy showed the English longbowmen’s skill against French knights. Led by Edward III and his son, Edward the Black Prince, the English won a big victory. This led to heavy French losses and the capture of Calais⁶⁷.

Battle of Poitiers

In 1356, the Battle of Poitiers was a big win for the English. They captured French King John II. This victory ended the Edwardian phase of the war and showed English dominance⁸⁶⁷.

Battle of Agincourt

The 1415 Battle of Agincourt is famous for the English army’s bravery. Despite being outnumbered, King Henry V’s troops won a stunning victory. They caused heavy French losses and took control of Normandy⁸⁶⁷.

Consequences of the Hundred Years’ War

The Hundred Years’ War had a long-lasting legacy for both England and France. It changed their politics, society, and military ways for a whole century.

Political Implications for England and France

In France, the war made the monarchy stronger and united the country. The French king’s income tripled thanks to taxes⁹. But England lost a lot of land, keeping only Calais until 1558¹⁰.

Edward III had to ask for taxes 27 times, hurting many people’s wallets⁹. This led to the Wars of the Roses, a big fight among English nobles¹⁰.

Social Changes and Impact on Society

The war caused big changes in society. Many nobles died, upsetting the balance of power in France⁹. Taxes to fund the war made people unhappy in both countries⁹.

In England, new classes like (e)squire and gentlemen grew, making the noble class three times bigger⁹. France saw fights between Burgundians and Armagnacs, hurting locals⁹.

Long-term Effects on Warfare in Europe

The Hundred Years’ War changed how wars were fought. France started using taxes like the salt tax to fund a standing army⁹. This helped the king’s power grow.

The war also led to better military tactics and the rise of professional armies⁹. These changes helped shape modern European armies, affecting wars for centuries.

Source Links

1. Hundred Years’ War – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundred_Years’_War
2. Hundred Years’ War | Summary, Causes, Effects, Combatants, Timeline, & Facts | Britannica – https://www.britannica.com/event/Hundred-Years-War
3. Hundred Years’ War ‑ Winner, Definition & Period | HISTORY – https://www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/hundred-years-war
4. How and Why France and England Fought for a Century – https://www.thoughtco.com/the-hundred-years-war-1222019
5. Hundred Years’ War – https://www.worldhistory.org/Hundred_Years’_War/
6. 5 Crucial Battles of the Hundred Years’ War – https://www.historyhit.com/crucial-battles-of-the-100-years-war/
7. The Key Events of the 100 Years War — 100 Years War – https://www.100-years-war.com/key-events
8. 5 Key Battles of the Hundred Years’ War – https://www.thecollector.com/5-key-battles-of-the-hundred-years-war/
9. The Hundred Years’ War: Consequences & Effects – https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1520/the-hundred-years-war-consequences–effects/
10. What Effect Did the Hundred Years War Have? – https://www.thoughtco.com/aftermath-of-the-hundred-years-war-1221904