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The 100 Years War. France vs. England 1337 – 1453. Entering the Ring…. Causes. Conflicting French and English interests in SW France Edward III lays claim to the French throne (thought he could get away with it b/c mom was a French princess)
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The 100 Years War France vs. England 1337 – 1453
Causes • Conflicting French and English interests in SW France • Edward III lays claim to the French throne (thought he could get away with it b/c mom was a French princess) • English’s ancestors were the Normans and they wanted to hold on to those lands • Both wanted control of the English Channel • Also a good old-fashioned rivalry (think back to Monty Python)
Round 1 (1338 – 1360) • Marked by English triumphs, especially due to their use of the longbow • In many cases, English troops were outnumbered but still emerged victorious • Left demoralized, the French signed the peace treaty in 1360, giving lands in the SW of France to the English
Round 2 (1361 – 1413) • France slowly gained the upper hand • Around the turn of the century, both France and England experienced internal disunity • There was a coup in England • France’s Charles VI went mad, allowing two opposing factions to push France into civil war. • Henry V of England decided this was an opportune chance to invade France, and he does.
Round 3 (1413 – 1453) • French peasants were forced into the forests by Henry’s invasion • Many prophecies circulated about how the French would emerge from the war—one said a virgin would deliver the French from the invaders… • Joan of Arc emerged in the French court and Charles VII allowed her to lead the army (which she did very successfully)
A “winner” is Declared! • Joan was captured by English allies in 1430 • In her trial, Joan was accused of witchcraft, convicted of heresy, and burned at the stake in 1431. • This rallied the French (saw Joan as martyr) who also had the new invention of the cannon! • Little by little, they drove the English out of France • Charles VII formally recognized as king of France in 1437 upon entering Paris • Hostilities ceased in 1453 • Church said that Joan wasn’t a heretic in 1455 (she was later canonized a saint)
Impact of 100 Years War (that lasted over 100 Years) • Increased French national pride = expanded king’s power • War forced English monarchs to rely on Parliament for $ = Parliament had “power of purse” • Changed medieval world • Disappearance of armored knights & castles (weapons like longbow & cannon too strong) • Monarchs gained power & raised own armies for wars
