Hundred Years War (25 janv. 1337 – 1 août 1348)

Description:

The Hundred Years’ War was largely fought over land rights over the Duchy of Aquitaine and succession in France, escalating English/French hostilities. The direct cause was a disagreement over who would inherit the French throne after Charles IV of France died without a child. French nobles sought to prevent Isabella (Charles’ sister) and her son from succession, as they were English. Years later, Edward (Isabella’s son) recognized Philip VI (the ruler of France)’s lordship over Aquitaine, and Philip seized the Duchy of Aquitaine. Edward saw this as a violation of a treaty and proclaimed himself ruler of France. While there was initially an English surge, the French, under the leadership of Joan of Arc, who saw religious visions and lead the French to victory. The war massively increased nationalism in both England and France, disrupting trade. The governments of both English and France saw huge economic losses and sought to make up for it by levying heavy taxes on the peasants. This increased class warfare and peasant dissatisfaction. England saw the power of the King checked through parliament, who required parliamentary approval of any new taxes.