The hundred years' war

Definition

The Hundred Years' War was a prolonged conflict between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453, characterized by a series of battles and political struggles over territorial claims and the right to rule. This conflict had far-reaching social and political consequences, reshaping the identities of both nations and altering their social structures. The war also fueled unrest among the lower classes, leading to significant peasant revolts as economic hardship increased during and after the conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war began over territorial disputes and the question of rightful succession to the French throne, with King Edward III of England claiming rights based on his mother’s lineage.
2. Major battles such as Crécy (1346) and Agincourt (1415) showcased the effectiveness of the English longbow against heavily armored knights.
3. The conflict resulted in significant changes in military tactics and technology, leading to a decline in feudal knight warfare as professional armies became more common.
4. Social unrest increased in both England and France due to heavy taxation and famine caused by prolonged warfare, resulting in peasant revolts like the English Peasants' Revolt of 1381.
5. The war ended with the loss of English territories in France, leading to a stronger sense of national identity in both countries and significant shifts in their social structures.

Review Questions

• How did the Hundred Years' War change military tactics and influence the structure of armies in England and France?
  • The Hundred Years' War significantly changed military tactics as it highlighted the effectiveness of the longbow, which allowed English archers to defeat heavily armored knights at battles like Crécy and Agincourt. This shift emphasized the importance of infantry over traditional cavalry, leading both nations to adopt more professional standing armies rather than relying solely on feudal levies. The rise of these new tactics ultimately changed how wars were fought in Europe for years to come.
• In what ways did the social and economic conditions during the Hundred Years' War contribute to unrest among the lower classes?
  • The prolonged conflict placed immense economic strain on both England and France due to heavy taxation needed to fund military campaigns. This led to widespread discontent among peasants who faced increasing hardships, such as famine and loss of livelihoods. As living conditions deteriorated, this unrest culminated in revolts like the English Peasants' Revolt of 1381, where people protested against oppressive taxes and conditions, showcasing how war can exacerbate social tensions.
• Evaluate the impact of Joan of Arc on the morale and eventual outcomes for France during the latter stages of the Hundred Years' War.
  • Joan of Arc emerged as a symbol of hope for France during a crucial time when morale was low due to English dominance. Her leadership invigorated French forces, leading to significant victories such as the lifting of the siege at Orléans. Joan's unique position as a peasant girl claiming divine guidance galvanized public support for the French cause, ultimately contributing to a renewed sense of national identity and unity that helped turn the tide against England, leading to France's eventual victory.

Related terms

Longbow: A powerful weapon used predominantly by English archers during the Hundred Years' War, which played a crucial role in several key battles.

Joan of Arc: A French peasant girl who claimed to have received visions from God, becoming a pivotal figure in rallying French forces against English occupation during the later stages of the war.

Feudalism: The dominant social and economic system in medieval Europe, characterized by a hierarchy of lords, vassals, and serfs, which was profoundly affected by the shifting power dynamics during the war.