The Hundred Years’ War fought between England and France was never a single long war of attrition, but a series of short battles. It began in 1337 AD and concluded in 1453 AD; thus, the conflict really lasted for 116 years. English kings tried to dominate France, while the French sought to force the English out of their country.
Factors Contributing to the War
In 1328, Charles IV of France died without a direct heir. French barons gave the throne to his cousin, Philip VI, but Charles’s nephew, Edward III of England, Challenged him. When Philip declared that Edward’s French lands were confiscated, war broke out.
England Defeats France
The English defeated a French warship fleet in the English Channel at the battle of Sluys; they invaded France and won a major land battle at Crecy. Edward captured Calais. However, England and France ran out of currency and they had to declare a truce, which lasted from 1347 AD to 1355 AD.
The Black Prince
In 1355 AD, a new English invasion of France commenced under the leadership of Edward’s heir, Edward, whose nickname was the “Black Prince,” because he wore dark colored armor. The Black Prince won a resounding victory at Poitiers, capturing Philip’s successor, John II. The Treaty of Bretigny in 1360 gave England large portions of France. However, a fresh campaign followed the peace treaty and England lost most of her French possessions.
Children Rule
For a season, the French and English thrones were occupied by children, Charles VI of France and Richard II of England. Richard’s uncle, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, ruled for him. In 1396 Richard II married Charles VI’s daughter, Isabelle and a 20-year truce was concurred upon.
Henry V and Charles VI
After the truce the Hundred Years’ War began again in 1415 AD. Henry V, England’s king, revived his country’s old claim to the throne of France. England still held Calais and portions of Bordeaux. Henry captured the town of Harfleur in Normandy, and also heavily defeated the French at Argincourt losing only about 1,600 men to France’s 10, 000. He later occupied northern France and forced the French King, Charles VI, to disinherit his own son and make Henry heir to the French throne. Additionally, He married Charles’s daughter, Catherine of Valois. However, Henry died 15 months later, leaving his infant son Henry VI. Charles VI died shortly afterwards.
Joan of Arc
When the Duke of Bedford besieged Orleans, French forces led by a 17-year-old peasant girl, Joan of Arc, successfully defended the town. Joan saw supernatural visions and heard mysterious voices commanding her to liberate the French. Joan escorted the new uncrowned French King, Charles VII, to Reims to be crowned. However, shortly afterward she was defeated at Paris and captured by the Burgundians. They sold her to the English who burned her alive because they believed that she was a witch. Sporadic fighting continued for some years. The French recaptured their lands, effectively concluding the war and leaving only Calais to the English.
Longbow Vs Crossbow
The longbow was made of yew and was developed in England during the 13th century. English archers could fire six well aimed arrows every minute. Each arrow was about a meter in length and the archer’s longbow could fire arrows at an accurate range of 350 meters. In contrast, French archers and other European soldiers used the crossbow. Although its bolts did not carry as far as the longbow’s arrows, it was easier to f
Analysis: Hundred Years’ War
The Medieval war between England and France laid waste to much of France and caused enormous suffering; it virtually destroyed the feudal nobility and thereby gave birth to a new social order. By ending England’s status as a major power on the European continent, it led the English to expand their reach and power at sea. The war also accelerated the technological evolution of the weaponry such as the crossbow and the longbow and it forecasted the appearance of gunpowder firearms on the battlefield.
Related Sources: Grant, R.G.; Battle; DK Publications, 2005. Lanning, LT. COL. (RET.) Michael Lee AND Bob Rosenburgh; THE BATTLE 100; Sourcebooks: New York, 2003. Roberts, Andrew and others; The Art of War; Quercus Publication, 2008. Zimmerman, Dwight Jon; THE BOOK OF WAR; Tess Press Publications, 2008. Zimmerman, Dwight Jon; THE BOOK OF WEAPONS; Tess Press Publications, 2009.