How did the Hundred Years War contribute to the decline of the feudal nobility?

The Hundred Years War contributed to the decline of the feudal nobility in several ways.

Firstly, the war required large armies, which were expensive to maintain. Feudal nobles, who relied on their vassals for military service, struggled to raise the necessary funds to support their armies. This led to financial difficulties and weakened their position of power.

Secondly, the war introduced new military tactics and technologies, such as the longbow and gunpowder, which favored professional soldiers over feudal knights. The feudal nobility, heavily reliant on traditional chivalric warfare, found themselves at a disadvantage and were often defeated by more modern and efficient armies.

Additionally, the prolonged conflict disrupted the feudal system and weakened the authority of feudal lords. Many nobles lost their lands and wealth during the war, either through military defeats or financial burdens. This resulted in a shift of power towards the monarchies and the emerging middle class.

Furthermore, the war led to social and political changes. The increased centralization of power in the hands of monarchs reduced the influence of feudal lords. The need for more efficient taxation systems to fund the war efforts also undermined the feudal system, as it bypassed the traditional feudal obligations of the nobility.

Overall, the Hundred Years War accelerated the decline of the feudal nobility by straining their financial resources, exposing their military weaknesses, disrupting the feudal system, and shifting power towards monarchies and the middle class.