What Caused the Hundred Years’ War?

The Hundred Years’ War was an extended conflict that spanned over a century from 1337 to 1453 and stands as one of the most significant and complex wars in medieval European history. It was a series of intermittent battles and campaigns fought between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France, with occasional involvement of other European powers.

The root cause of the Hundred Years’ War can be traced back to territorial disputes and conflicting claims to the French throne. The English monarchy, led by Edward III, asserted its right to the French crown through Edward’s mother, who was a direct descendant of the Capetian dynasty. This claim was fiercely contested by the French, who were unwilling to accept an English king as their ruler. Overall, the war can be broadly divided into three main phases: the Edwardian War, the Caroline War, and the Lancastrian War.

One of the defining aspects of the conflict was the evolution of military tactics and technology. The introduction of the longbow by the English archers, notably at the Battle of Crecy in 1346 and the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, had a profound impact on the outcome of several engagements. These battles showcased the effectiveness of English archers against the traditional French feudal cavalry.

The Hundred Years’ War is the conflict between England and France. It originated from dynastic disputes, territorial ambitions, and economic rivalries, and had a profound impact on both nations. At the beginning of the war, the English won great victories at the battles of Crecy (1346) and Poitiers (1356), showcasing the effectiveness of the longbow in medieval warfare and military prowess, but France slowly reclaimed much of the lands lost in the battle.

After a subtle phase of peace, the war started again when Richard II of England married the daughter of Charles VI of France. The Battle of Agincourt (1415), was won by Henry V of England. He was nominated as the heir to the French throne, but his early death and ineffective rule resulted in Charles VII of France (r. 1422–1461) reclaiming the throne. The French won crucial battles at Formigny (1450) and Castillon (1453) with help from Joan of Arc.

In this article, we will look into the Overview, History, and Timeline of the Hundred Year’s War in detail. We will also discuss the impact of the Hundred Years’ War and the conflict between England and France.