The Hundred Years War between France and England lasted so long due to a combination of factors such as dynastic rivalries, territorial claims, and economic conflicts.
The Hundred Years' War starts notably because the French king Charles IV dies without a direct heir in 1328. His cousin, the English king Edward III, seizes the opportunity by claiming the French crown, asserting that he is the most legitimate descendant. However, the French nobles prefer to see Philip VI of Valois, another cousin, albeit more distantly related, but French and locally supported, ascend to the throne. This family dispute over the throne quickly leads to significant chaos, dragging both kingdoms into an endless period of dynastic uncertainty, competing claims, and power struggles that will extend for decades. With each royal death, the cycle begins anew: new rival claims emerge, and the absence of a clear or lasting agreement only fuels the conflict further.
The Hundred Years' War drags on because England and France are absolutely determined to control the same key regions, particularly Aquitaine, a territory rich in resources and extremely important commercially. Each side wants to strengthen its local power, expand its influence, or simply prevent the other from gaining too many strategic advantages. These regional rivalries never really cease, unleashing regular tensions that further prolong this endless conflict. Cities, ports, and fertile agricultural lands are always worth fighting for and maintaining claims over, even if it means being stubborn for decades. Territorial ambitions are tough, grudges accumulate, and all of this makes it very difficult for both sides to let go, thus extending the conflict for entire generations.
The Hundred Years' War saw both sides continuously evolve in their manner of fighting. At the beginning, the English dominated thanks to formations of longbowmen, capable of shooting at great distances and piercing enemy armor. As a result, the French gradually adapted their strategy: fewer reckless cavalry charges and more engagements on foot. Over the decades, innovations such as the massive use of the first cannons and gunpowder weapons further changed the game. Each time one army seemed to gain the upper hand, the other side adjusted its tactics, reinforced its defenses, and innovated further, making a definitive victory extremely difficult and prolonging the conflict endlessly.
The war was costing a fortune on both sides of the Channel. Maintaining standing armies with mercenaries and renewing equipment continually required raising heavy taxes, which were unpopular and necessarily limited. Peasants and artisans found themselves crushed under the burden of taxes and saw their harvests regularly pillaged by the passing troops; all this led to popular revolts, such as the famous Jacquerie in France in 1358. The countryside was losing many inhabitants, fields were left abandoned, and famine regularly loomed. These troubles and shortages weakened each country and prevented a swift victory, which prolonged the conflict for generations.
During the Hundred Years' War, alliances are easily made and broken according to immediate interests. The great nobles do not hesitate to change sides based on the promises or benefits they hope to gain. It's pretty much every man for himself, which makes ending the conflict very difficult. Some dukes, like the Duke of Burgundy, play their own game, alternating alliances with the English and then returning to the French crown when it suits their interests better. These incessant changes complicate negotiations and peace attempts enormously. With each treaty signed, you can count on at least one betrayal not far behind. The diplomats of the time really do not have an easy life as political interests are constantly shifting.
It was during the Hundred Years' War that the famous Battle of Agincourt (1415) took place, a stunning victory for the English largely due to the effectiveness of their archers equipped with the formidable English longbow.
Joan of Arc, the French national heroine, joined the war late (1429), playing a decisive role in turning the tide of the conflict in favor of the French before being captured and sentenced to death in 1431.
During the Hundred Years' War, the Black Death struck Europe from 1347 to 1352, exacerbating the economic and social difficulties already caused by the state of war, and dramatically reducing the military forces available on both sides.
The conflict between France and England during the Hundred Years' War acted as a catalyst for the emergence and development of modern states in Europe, strengthening national identity and administrative structures.
This conflict promoted the evolution of military tactics and armaments, such as the development of the English longbow, improvements in artillery, and the increasing use of professional soldiers at the expense of traditional feudal troops.
Joan of Arc played a key role in restoring confidence among the French and turning the military situation around, particularly during the siege of Orléans in 1429. Her intervention allowed King Charles VII to be crowned and contributed to bolstering the morale of the French camp.
The kings of England claimed the French throne due to their direct descent from the French Capetians through Isabelle of France, wife of King Edward II of England. This dynastic dispute served as the initial pretext for the prolonged conflict.
The economic consequences were profound: both France and England suffered massive destruction, a demographic crisis linked to war and plague, and heavy military expenditures. This led to poverty, social instability, and lasting economic delays in the affected regions.
Among the major events are the Battle of Crécy in 1346, the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, the French victory led by Joan of Arc during the Siege of Orléans in 1429, and finally the decisive Battle of Castillon in 1453, which marked the end of the war.
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