Hundred Years' War

Definition

The Hundred Years' War was a series of conflicts fought between England and France from 1337 to 1453, primarily over territorial disputes and claims to the French throne. This prolonged struggle not only shaped the political landscape of both nations but also influenced cultural and social changes, making it a crucial event in medieval history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war began due to disputes over territorial rights in France and claims to the French crown by English monarchs, particularly Edward III.
2. Key battles included Crécy (1346) and Agincourt (1415), where English longbowmen played a significant role in defeating larger French armies.
3. The conflict led to significant advancements in military technology and tactics, transitioning from traditional feudal armies to more professional forces.
4. The war fostered a sense of national identity in both England and France, as people began to see themselves as part of a nation rather than just subjects of a king.
5. The war ended with the Treaty of Picquigny, resulting in England losing most of its territories in France, solidifying French dominance in the region.

Review Questions

• How did the Hundred Years' War influence the development of national identity in England and France?
  • The Hundred Years' War significantly contributed to the development of national identity in both England and France. As the war progressed, citizens began to rally around their respective monarchies and national causes, leading to a sense of unity among people who identified more with their nation than with feudal lords. This shift helped to foster a stronger sense of nationalism that would continue to grow in subsequent centuries.
• What were the primary military innovations introduced during the Hundred Years' War, and how did they affect the outcome of battles?
  • The Hundred Years' War saw key military innovations such as the use of the longbow, which allowed English troops to inflict heavy casualties on French knights from a distance. This weapon changed traditional combat strategies and reduced reliance on heavily armored cavalry. The impact was evident in decisive English victories at battles like Crécy and Agincourt, highlighting how these innovations altered warfare dynamics during this period.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Hundred Years' War on both England and France, particularly regarding their political structures and societal changes.
  • The long-term consequences of the Hundred Years' War were profound for both England and France. Politically, it led to increased centralization of power as monarchs sought to consolidate authority after years of conflict. In England, this resulted in civil strife known as the Wars of the Roses due to disputed claims to the throne. In France, it strengthened royal power and paved the way for future absolute monarchy. Societally, both nations experienced shifts toward greater national consciousness among their citizens, influencing cultural developments and laying groundwork for modern nation-states.

Related terms

Treaty of Picquigny: A treaty signed in 1475 that marked the end of hostilities between England and France after the conclusion of the Hundred Years' War.

Joan of Arc: A peasant girl who became a national heroine of France by leading French forces to several important victories during the latter part of the Hundred Years' War.

Feudalism: A social and economic system that dominated medieval Europe, characterized by the exchange of land for military service, which was impacted by the changes brought about by the Hundred Years' War.