100 Years War

Definition

The 100 Years War was a series of conflicts waged from 1337 to 1453 between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France, primarily over territorial disputes and claims to the French throne. This prolonged war not only altered the political landscape of both nations but also had significant cultural and social impacts, influencing the development of national identities and warfare tactics during the late medieval period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war began due to Edward III of England claiming the French crown, leading to decades of conflict over territorial control and dynastic rights.
2. Key battles included Crécy (1346), Poitiers (1356), and Agincourt (1415), which showcased advancements in military technology, particularly the longbow.
3. The war saw a shift from feudal armies to more professional troops, as both sides began to rely on paid soldiers rather than vassals bound by feudal obligations.
4. The conflict significantly contributed to the rise of national consciousness in both England and France, as citizens began to identify more with their nation than with local lords.
5. The war ended with the Treaty of Picquigny in 1475, but France maintained control over most territories previously held by England, marking a decline in English territorial ambitions in France.

Review Questions

• What were the main causes of the 100 Years War and how did these factors influence its duration?
  • The main causes of the 100 Years War included Edward III's claim to the French throne and ongoing disputes over territory such as Aquitaine. This struggle for power led to multiple phases of warfare over more than a century. The mix of dynastic ambition and territorial contention resulted in intermittent battles rather than a single, decisive conflict, prolonging hostilities and leading to changing alliances and strategies throughout the war.
• Discuss how the 100 Years War contributed to changes in military technology and tactics during its course.
  • The 100 Years War was marked by significant advancements in military technology, particularly with the introduction of the longbow by English forces. This weapon allowed a smaller number of skilled archers to inflict heavy casualties on larger armies, as seen in battles like Crécy and Agincourt. Additionally, the war shifted military organization from feudal levies to paid mercenaries, leading to more professional armies that could be mobilized for longer campaigns.
• Evaluate the impact of the 100 Years War on national identity in England and France, considering how this shaped future European politics.
  • The 100 Years War had a profound impact on national identity in both England and France. As citizens rallied behind their kings and countries rather than local lords, a sense of nationalism emerged that would influence future political dynamics in Europe. This growing identity played a role in shaping alliances, conflicts, and the notion of sovereignty that became central to European politics in subsequent centuries, establishing patterns that would influence conflicts beyond just this period.

Related terms

Feudalism: A social and economic system prevalent in medieval Europe, characterized by the exchange of land for military service and loyalty between lords and vassals.

Joan of Arc: A French peasant girl who claimed to have received divine guidance, leading French troops to several important victories during the latter part of the 100 Years War before being captured and executed.

Battle of Agincourt: A major English victory during the 100 Years War in 1415, known for the effective use of longbowmen by the English against a much larger French army.