History The Hundred Years War Questions Medium
The Hundred Years War, which lasted from 1337 to 1453, involved several key military leaders on both the English and French sides. These leaders played significant roles in shaping the outcome of the war. Some of the key military leaders of the Hundred Years War include:
1. Edward III of England: Edward III was the English king who initially claimed the French crown, which sparked the war. He led several successful military campaigns, including the famous Battle of Crécy in 1346 and the Battle of Poitiers in 1356.
2. Henry V of England: Henry V continued the English military successes in France. He achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, which significantly weakened the French forces and allowed the English to gain control over large parts of northern France.
3. Joan of Arc: Joan of Arc was a French military leader who played a crucial role in turning the tide of the war in favor of the French. Inspired by religious visions, she led the French army to several victories, including the lifting of the siege of Orléans in 1429. However, she was eventually captured by the English and executed for heresy.
4. Charles VII of France: Charles VII was the French king who was initially seen as weak and ineffective. However, with the help of Joan of Arc, he was able to consolidate his power and drive the English out of France. He played a significant role in the later stages of the war, leading to the French victory.
5. John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury: John Talbot was an English military leader known for his bravery and military prowess. He led several successful campaigns in France and was one of the last English commanders to hold out against the French. He was eventually killed at the Battle of Castillon in 1453, which marked the end of the war.
These are just a few of the key military leaders of the Hundred Years War. Their strategies, victories, and defeats shaped the course of the war and had a lasting impact on the history of both England and France.