History The Hundred Years War Questions Long
The Hundred Years War was a series of conflicts between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453. It was primarily fought over territorial disputes and the question of who had the rightful claim to the French throne. The war was characterized by a series of major events and battles that shaped its outcome.
The war began in 1337 when King Edward III of England claimed the French crown, as his mother was the sister of the deceased French king. This led to a long period of intermittent warfare between the two kingdoms.
One of the major events of the early phase of the war was the Battle of Crécy in 1346. The English, led by Edward III, achieved a decisive victory over the French. This battle showcased the effectiveness of the English longbow, which played a significant role in subsequent battles.
Another significant event was the capture of Calais by the English in 1347. Calais served as a strategic port and provided England with a base for further military operations in France. The English held onto Calais for the duration of the war, which allowed them to maintain a foothold in French territory.
In 1356, the Battle of Poitiers took place. The English, led by Edward, the Black Prince, defeated a larger French army and captured the French king, John II. This battle further weakened the French monarchy and increased the English influence in France.
The war saw a turning point in 1415 with the Battle of Agincourt. The English, led by Henry V, achieved a remarkable victory against a much larger French army. This battle solidified English control over Normandy and other French territories.
In 1429, a young French peasant girl named Joan of Arc emerged as a key figure in the war. She claimed to have received divine guidance and rallied French troops against the English. Joan of Arc played a crucial role in the lifting of the siege of Orléans and the subsequent French victories. However, she was eventually captured by the English, tried for heresy, and executed in 1431.
The war continued for several more decades, with both sides experiencing victories and defeats. In 1453, the war finally came to an end with the French reclaiming most of their territories. The English were left with only Calais, marking the end of their ambitions to conquer France.
Overall, the Hundred Years War was a complex and protracted conflict that had a profound impact on the history of both England and France. It saw the rise of new military tactics, the emergence of national identities, and the decline of feudalism. The war also contributed to the strengthening of centralized monarchies in both countries and set the stage for future conflicts between them.