Hundred Years War


THE Hundred Years War was a series of conflicts between the England and France occurred between the years 1337 to 1453. Such confrontations intensified the economic crisis experienced by Europe in the period.

The Hundred Years War was the result of economic and political rivalries between the mentioned kingdoms, mainly the English desire to occupy the French throne.

Hundred Years War - Summary

The Hundred Years War was one of the determining factors for the crisis of feudalism. During the 14th century, the kingdoms of England and France were the most important of the European continent.

The territories of these nations were divided into provinces administered by vassals of the monarch. In other words, such regions were not unified.

This time was marked by disputes between the two kingdoms caused by the domain of economically important territories. The region of Flanders in northern France was one of them.

The conflict began with the death of the French king, Charles IV, who died without leaving any direct heirs to the throne.

After several disagreements related to the succession of the monarch, the English king Edward III — grandson of French monarch Philip the Beautiful (1285–1314)—claims that he should occupy such a position and unify the crowns.

However, French royalty did not agree with the idea. Thus, began a war against the French and the English, in 1337.

For having lasted 116 years, the conflict became known as the Hundred Years War. Initially, the British won several battles. However, the French reorganized and won the final victory.

An important figure in this conflict was Joana D'arc, a young peasant woman who contributed to the victory of France in the conflict, expelling the British from the territory.

Because it caused thousands of deaths, which, as a consequence, reduced the available labor and made the both agricultural and artisanal production, the Hundred Years War was considered the last great conflict medieval.

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Furthermore, the confrontation weakened the feudal nobility and increased the king's power, deepening social tensions.

The popular revolts became more intense due to the increase in taxes levied by the nobility who had spent high amounts to finance the war.

As a result, artisans, peasants and small traders promoted conflicts in the countryside and cities, which contributed to destabilizing the feudal system.

already the bourgeoisie he was going through a social ascent, obtaining properties from bankrupt nobles and supporting the centralization of powers in the hands of the king.

The concentration of power in the figure of the monarch allowed the protection of the market against foreign competitors, as well as the unification of the currency.

The Hundred Years War helped to feed nationalist sentiment, form professional armies and promote new techniques of warfare.

Causes of the Hundred Years War

The main causes of the Hundred Years War they were the dispute for the throne of France and for the region of Flanders, a rich commercial center that had an expressive wool fabric production industry.

Who won the Hundred Years War?

The nation that won the Hundred Years War was France.

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