The Hundred Years War
1337-1453
Causes:
1-Disputes over rights to land
2-Dispute over succession to the French throne
3-Economic conflicts
Eleanor of Aquitaine
Territory in Dispute-Aquitaine
Province in Southern France that became holding of
English crown when Eleanor married King Henry II of
England (1152)
French Kings wanted to absorb it as their own despite
Treaty of Paris of 1259 stating it was an English holding
in exchange for becoming a vassal of France.
Henry II
Henry III
Political Causes:
-Disagreement over who would inherit the French throne after Charles IV died
childless in 1328, ending the Capetian Dynasty of France. His sister Isabella,
had a son who was King Edward III of England.
-France moved to block both from inheriting basing it off of an old Salic law
from the 6th Century that said women could not rule or pass down the right to
rule.
-Nobles passed it to Philip VI of Valois (1328-1350)
Trouble
-Philip, ignoring previous treaty, absorbed Aquitaine duchy.
-Edward III ticked and claimed he was rightful King of
France since he was surviving heir of Philip the Fair.
-Many French nobles sided with Edward III to increase their
power and independence, hence becoming in part a civil
war since French nobles were split in their allegiance
-Meanwhile since the Scots did not like the English, they
helped the French by raiding northern England.
Royal Propaganda
-Kings on both sides used propaganda to support their
cause (via the clergy and sermons)
-Deep and long lasting hatred of one another emerged
between England and France.
Economic Causes
-Flanders technically belonged to France but Flemish
merchants and manufacturers depended on English wool,
so they tended to support England and Edward II
-Idle knights and criminals were promised riches and land if
they enlisted and fought.
Early English Victories
English Longbow and canon
Joan of Arc-France’s victory
Co-Commander
-After leading a series of victories for the French, Joan was caught by
Burgundians (Allies of English), put on trial by a pro-English Bishop and burned
at the stake.
Charles refused to pay ransom and essentially abandoned her.
Read “The Trial of Joan of Arc”. With a partner, discuss responses to
questions 1 and 2 (Evaluating evidence)
Be prepared to share with the class.
Aftermath-Compare Contrast essay
Read pages 336-338. Stop at “Challenges to
the Church”
Construct a compare/contrast essay on how
the Hundred Years War impact both France
and England. 1-1 ½ pages in length.