History The Hundred Years War Questions
The Burgundians played a significant role in the Hundred Years War as they were a powerful faction within the war-torn region. Initially, the Burgundians supported the English and formed an alliance with them against the French. This alliance was primarily driven by their desire to expand their own territories and gain more power.
Under the leadership of Duke Philip the Bold, the Burgundians fought alongside the English in several key battles, including the Battle of Crécy and the Battle of Poitiers. They also provided financial and military support to the English cause.
However, as the war progressed, the Burgundians' allegiance shifted. Duke Philip the Bold's successor, Duke John the Fearless, sought to reconcile with the French monarchy and secure his own position within the French political landscape. This led to a rift between the Burgundians and the English, and they eventually switched sides, forming an alliance with the French.
The Burgundians' change in allegiance had a significant impact on the outcome of the war. Their support for the French allowed the French monarchy to regain control over key territories and strengthen their position against the English. The Burgundians also played a crucial role in negotiating the Treaty of Arras in 1435, which effectively ended the war and established a truce between the warring parties.
Overall, the Burgundians' role in the Hundred Years War was complex and evolving. They initially supported the English but later switched sides to align with the French, ultimately contributing to the French victory and the end of the war.