The Hundred Years' War was a protracted conflict that lasted, with interruptions, from 1337 to 1453. Its primary causes were complex and rooted in a combination of political, territorial, economic, and dynastic factors:
1. Territorial Disputes: One of the central causes of the war was a long-standing territorial dispute between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France. The English monarchs, particularly Edward III and his successors, asserted claims to the French throne based on their ancestral ties to the French crown. These claims challenged the legitimacy of French kings and led to disputes over control of French territories, including Gascony and Aquitaine, which were held by English kings as vassals of the French crown.
2. Economic Interests: Economic factors also played a significant role. Both England and France sought to control lucrative trade routes, including the wool trade in England and the wine trade in France. These economic interests heightened tensions between the two nations.
3. Dynastic Conflicts: The war was further exacerbated by dynastic conflicts within the French monarchy. The death of the last Capetian king of France, Charles IV, in 1328, without a male heir, led to a disputed succession. This resulted in rival claims to the French throne by the Valois and Plantagenet dynasties, further fueling the conflict.
4. Nationalism and Identity: The Hundred Years' War also coincided with the emergence of early nationalistic sentiments in both England and France. People began to identify more strongly with their respective nations, fostering a sense of patriotism that contributed to the war's duration.
5. Political Ambitions: Ambitious monarchs on both sides, including Edward III of England and Philip VI of France, sought to consolidate their power and extend their influence. This desire for political supremacy drove them to pursue military campaigns and alliances.
6. Feudal Alliances: Feudal relationships and alliances among European nobility played a role in the war. English nobles who held lands in France often had conflicting loyalties, leading to complex allegiances and betrayals.
The Hundred Years' War consisted of several distinct phases and campaigns, with notable events such as the Battle of Crécy, the capture of Joan of Arc, and the eventual expulsion of the English from France. It had profound and lasting consequences, including changes in military tactics, the strengthening of national identities in both England and France, and the decline of feudalism. The war ultimately ended with the signing of the Treaty of Bordeaux in 1453, which marked the conclusion of hostilities and solidified France's control over most of its territory.
