Hundred Years War PDF

The Hundred Years War 1337 - 1453  What Is The Hundred Years War? The term “Hundred Years War” is a term used by historians to describe a series of events in the 14th to 15 centuries (1337 - 1453). The conflict was between France and England (and their allies) lasting 116 years, th...

The Hundred Years War 1337 - 1453  What Is The Hundred Years War? The term “Hundred Years War” is a term used by historians to describe a series of events in the 14th to 15 centuries (1337 - 1453). The conflict was between France and England (and their allies) lasting 116 years, though there were long periods in between battles. It was fought primarily over claims by the English Kings to the French throne.  CAUSES OF THE HUNDRED YEARS WAR  The Norman Conquest - Battle of Hastings The causes of Hundred Years War can go as far back as an event known as the Norman Conquest in 1066 AD. William of Normandy was the cousin of the King of England claimed he would inherit the throne when his cousin fell ill and died. During the Battle of Hastings, he defeats Harold and claims himself as the new King of England  ENGLISH LAND OR FRENCH LAND? From here on out, it is English ruler’s goal to control lands in both England and France. English kings even marry French nobles. France was not a unified country prior to the war. By the 1300’s, England held much land in France as did other powerful lords.  CONTROVERSY OVER SUCCESSION When the King of France, Philip IV, died in 1328, there was much controversy over who would succeed him since he had no sons. Philip did, however, have a daughter named Isabella who was married to the King of England, Edward II. Together they had a son. On the other hand, the king had a brother who also had a son. The question was, who should become the next king?  CONTROVERSY OVER SUCCESSION King of France Brother of King ? King Philip IV Daughter of the King of England King Charles of Valois Nephew of Isabella of France Edward II of England King and son of Charles Grandson of King of France and son of Edward III of King of England England Philip of Valois  CONTROVERSY OVER SUCCESSION Following the death of King Philip in 1328, the french nobility selected Philip of Valois, a nephew of the last king through the male line to become the new king. Edward III insist and disagree the succession of the throne. In 1337, Edward III claimed the title “King of France” and the war starts….. THE WAR  THE WAR The war was a series of short raids and expeditions punctuated by a few major battles. Major Battles: - Battle of Crecy (1346) - Battle of Poitiers (1356) - Battle of Agincourt (1415) - Siege of Orleans (1429)  The Battle of Crecy (1346) French knights were exhausted from riding all day to the battlefield, only to then have to storm up a muddy hill while being fired upon by English archers. The outnumbered English completely decimated the larger French army. Many French nobles are captured and held for ransom following the battle. Reason for victory was the better weapon technology. THE LONGBOW THE CANNON  THE BATTLE OF POITIERS (1356) Edward III’s son, Edward IV (known as the “Black Prince of Wales” due to his choice of armor) invaded France and reignited the war once again in 1356. The English nobles were also able to captured many French nobles including the new king of France, Jean II. They held him for ransom and forced to sign a treaty.  THE BATTLE OF AGINCOURT (1415) King Henry V of England struck again in 1415, baiting French army into attacking his fortified position. With the aid of the dukes of Burgundy (area of France loyal to England), and using his superior archers, the French were completely destroyed. Henry gained control over Normandy, Paris, and some places in France. Capture French nobles and held for ransom.  TREATY OF TROYES (1420) In this truce, King Henry V of England would marry Catherine of Valois, the daughter of French King, Charles VI. Charles VII, the king’s son, was disinherited and declared illegitimate. An English victory was all but assured.  Charles VII was declared illegitimate. This angers many French nobles who believe the king has been coerced into this decision. They think his son is the rightful heir to the throne.  THE WAR STARTS AGAIN The treaty was short lived, however.. King Charles V and Henry V unexpectedly died. Henry VI, son of Henry V and Catherine to inherit both kingdoms. War was reignited, claiming the Charles VII was the rightful King of France.  FRENCH DESPAIR The political situation in France seemed hopeless. The Dauphin had only little bit of support from nobles. Charles VII was desperate for miracle.  JOAN OF ARC Joan of Arc was the daughter of peasants from an area in Burgundy that had suffered greatly under the English. Around age 12, she claimed she had “divine visions” and began to hear “voices” from God. At age of 16, she pleaded the French commanders to let her meet the Dauphin.  DID YOU KNOW? Joan of Arc cut her hair and dressed like a boy when accompanying with French army.  THE SIEGE OF ORLEAN (1429) After a largely fruitless bombardment of the English stronghold, the French decided to ceasefire and wait to attack again the next day. Joan of Arc knelt and prayed, and quickly grabbed a ladder and led an assault on the fortress herself. Her faith and charisma helped lead the French to victory.  CHARLES VII - CROWNED KING She became Charles's most trusted general. She even personally escorted him into enemy territory, defeating town to town until they reached the city of Reims, where she saw him officially crowned King of France (ending his disinheritance)  JOAN THE MARTYR She gave France a sense of national identity and self-confidence. She was captured by the English in 1432. She was found guilty and condemned to death by being burned at the stake.