The call LowAgeAverage, which comprises the period between the 10th and 15th centuries d. a., was marked, as we know, by the commercial and urban rebirth of Europe; for the creation of Universities; for its Gothic and Romanesque architecture; for the development of scholastic philosophy and for many other aspects important to human history as a whole.
However, the 14th century was characterized as one of the harshest of that period, mainly because of the generalized economic and social crisis, which was provoked by catastrophic events, such as the Black Plague and food shortages. One of the side effects of this crisis was the Peasants' Revolt. In the political sphere, the Hundred Years War (337-1453) was the biggest conflict in the transition phase of the AgeAverage to the AgeModern.
Two were the main reasons for unleashing the Hundred Years War. The first one concerns the dispute process between France and England in the region of Flanders (located north of present-day Belgium). Flanders had vassal relations with France, that is, it was politically and socially subordinate to the feudal lords and the French aristocracy. However, the merchants in this region – which was one of the main fabric producing centers at the time –, they also had commercial relations with the English, from which they obtained wool for the manufactures of weaving. A direct conflict between the French and the English would determine who could benefit from Flanders' commercial zone.
The second reason was linked to the dispute for the succession to the French throne after the death of Charles IV, who had left no descendants. The throne of Charles IV was claimed by Edward III, from England, who was the king's grandson Felipe the beautiful, who had ruled France decades before. The French nobles vehemently rejected the possession of Edward III and enthroned a count named Felipe, who received the title of Felipe VI, from France. As Edward III, even though he did not become king, was heir to Felipe the Belo, some French territories came under his possession. The war broke out from this series of misunderstandings.
The battles of this long war were characterized by mixing elements of medieval battles, but also by adding modern elements. The use of cavalry and archers increased throughout the war. This was evident in one of the most important battles, the Battle of Crecy, which took place on August 26, 1346, with a landslide victory by the English army over the French fighters.
The war was interrupted between the 1340s and 1350s due to the devastating effects of the Black Death, but it was resumed in 1356. Many agreements were made between the two nations, but the war lasted until 1453, one of the decisive phases being the one in which Henry V he assumed the throne of England and declared himself the legitimate successor to the French throne in 1415. This fact sparked a huge revolt by the peasants of France, who swelled the ranks of fighters against England.
Among them was the emblematic figure of Joana D'arc, who became not only a military leader but also a political and religious icon. Joan of Arc, however, ended up being betrayed by the French nobles, who handed her over to the English, being later tried and accused of witchcraft, having died at the stake.
By Me. Cláudio Fernandes
