What were the key political and economic motivations for continuing the Hundred Years War?

History The Hundred Years War Questions Medium



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What were the key political and economic motivations for continuing the Hundred Years War?

The Hundred Years War, which lasted from 1337 to 1453, was primarily driven by a combination of political and economic motivations.

Politically, one of the key motivations for continuing the war was the ongoing territorial disputes between the Kingdoms of England and France. The English monarchs, particularly Edward III and his successors, claimed the French crown and sought to establish their authority over the entire Kingdom of France. This claim was based on Edward III's maternal lineage, as his mother was the daughter of the previous French king. The English monarchy saw the war as an opportunity to assert their dominance and expand their territories.

Economically, the war provided significant financial benefits for both England and France. The conflict stimulated the growth of their respective economies, as it created a demand for weapons, armor, and other military supplies. This led to the development of a thriving arms industry in both countries, providing employment and economic opportunities. Additionally, the war allowed for the plundering of enemy territories, which provided a source of wealth and resources.

Furthermore, the war also had political and economic implications for the nobility and aristocracy. Engaging in warfare allowed the nobles to demonstrate their military prowess and gain prestige. It also provided opportunities for capturing enemy nobles and demanding ransoms, which could be a lucrative source of income. The war also allowed the nobility to expand their land holdings through conquest, further increasing their wealth and power.

Overall, the key political motivations for continuing the Hundred Years War were the territorial disputes and the desire for dominance and control. The economic motivations included the stimulation of the arms industry, plundering of enemy territories, and opportunities for the nobility to gain wealth and prestige.