What were the causes of the Hundred Years War?

The Hundred Years War was a series of conflicts between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453. The causes of this war can be attributed to several factors:

1. Territorial Disputes: One of the main causes was the ongoing territorial disputes between England and France. The English kings, particularly Edward III and his successors, claimed the French crown and sought to expand their territories in France. This led to conflicts over control of regions such as Gascony and Normandy.

2. Succession Crisis: The war was also triggered by a succession crisis in France. When Charles IV of France died without a male heir in 1328, both Edward III of England and Philip VI of France claimed the French throne. This dispute over the rightful successor escalated into a full-scale war.

3. Economic Factors: Economic factors also played a role in the Hundred Years War. England relied heavily on its wool trade with Flanders, which was controlled by France. Disruptions to this trade and the imposition of tariffs by the French led to economic tensions between the two countries.

4. Feudal Rivalries: Feudal rivalries and conflicts between the nobility of England and France also contributed to the war. Many English nobles held lands in France and were vassals to the French king. However, tensions arose as these nobles were torn between their loyalty to the English king and their obligations to the French crown.

5. Nationalism and Patriotism: The war also saw the rise of nationalism and patriotism in both England and France. The English saw themselves as the rightful rulers of France, while the French rallied behind their king to defend their homeland. This sense of national identity fueled the conflict and prolonged the war.

Overall, the Hundred Years War was caused by a combination of territorial disputes, succession crises, economic factors, feudal rivalries, and the emergence of nationalism. These factors created a complex web of tensions and conflicts that ultimately led to over a century of warfare between England and France.