Backstory and Causes of the Hundred Years' War

Study Notes

Backstory for Hundred Years’ War

Marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to King Henry II in 1152 initiates longstanding English claims to French territories.
Treaty of Paris (1259) signed by Henry III, ceding claims to French territories except Aquitaine/Gascony.
War begins after Charles IV of France dies childless in 1328, leading to Edward III of England's claim to the French throne.
French nobles deny Edward and his mother the throne based on a rule excluding women and their sons.
Philip VI of Valois ascends to the throne as Edward’s claim is rejected.

Causes of the War

Conflict escalates in 1337 when Philip VI confiscates Aquitaine, prompting Edward III to declare war.
The war spans approximately 116 years, influenced by several factors:
- French civil war and alliances, notably with Scotland.
- Economic interests tied to the lucrative wool trade between England and Flanders, a region under French control.

Warfare

French Army:
- Comprised of heavily armed noble cavalry who viewed themselves as an elite fighting force.
English Army:
- Consisted mainly of paid foot soldiers, including peasants, equipped with pikes and longbows, and outnumbering the French forces.

The English Longbow

Developed from Celtic designs in Wales around 1180, measuring 6 feet tall and 6 inches wide.
Capable of firing 5-6 arrows per minute; skilled archers could achieve 10-12.
Effective at penetrating medieval armor from distances up to 250 yards.
The introduction of cannons towards the war's end enabled the French to capture key English strongholds.

Early Phases of the War

Edward III's invasion of Normandy in 1346 triggers a confrontation with Philip VI at the Battle of Crécy, with forces of 30,000 French vs. 15,000 English.
French forces lacked a coherent battle plan, leading to disastrous losses against well-coordinated English archers.
Following the victory, Edward captures Calais, solidifying English control in the region.

The Black Prince

Edward III's son, Edward, known as the Black Prince, conducts campaigns in France, employing scorched-earth tactics.
The Battle of Poitiers sees significant French losses, including 4,000 casualties and the capture of King John II.
Under the Peace of Brétigny, France pays a large ransom for John II's release.

Needing End of War

Charles IV's son is declared illegitimate, paving the way for Henry V of England to marry Charles' daughter, Catherine.
Their son is born as a potential heir to the French throne in 1422.

French Reconquest

The deaths of Charles VI and Henry V in 1422 leave Henry VI as the inheritor of both the English and French thrones.
The siege of Orléans by the English becomes a critical conflict in the war.
Joan of Arc gains support from Charles VII and leads the French army to success, resulting in his coronation in July 1429.
After being captured in 1430, Joan is abandoned by Charles, tried for heresy, and executed by burning.
A posthumous trial in 1456 clears Joan's name, restoring her legacy.

Description

Explore the intricate backstory and causes of the Hundred Years' War, including significant events such as the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Treaty of Paris. This quiz delves into the feud over French territories, the claims of English royalty, and the political landscape surrounding the protracted conflict.