1430s facts for kids

The 1430s were a time of big changes in Europe, especially for the long-running Hundred Years' War between England and France. A major event that shifted the war was the signing of the Treaty of Arras in 1435. This agreement changed who was fighting with whom and helped France gain an advantage.

What Was the Treaty of Arras?

The Treaty of Arras was an important peace agreement signed in 1435. It took place in the city of Arras, which is now in France. This treaty was a big deal because it ended a very strong partnership between two powerful groups: Burgundy and England.

The Hundred Years' War

To understand why the Treaty of Arras was so important, we need to know about the Hundred Years' War. This was a long conflict between the kingdoms of England and France. It wasn't one continuous war, but a series of battles and truces that lasted for over a century, from 1337 to 1453. The main reason for the war was who should rule France.

England's Allies in the War

For a long time, England had a powerful ally in the war: the Duchy of Burgundy. Burgundy was a very rich and influential state that controlled a large area of land, including parts of modern-day France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The Duke of Burgundy had sided with England against France, which made England much stronger in the conflict. This alliance was a major challenge for the French kings.

How the Treaty Changed Everything

The Treaty of Arras changed the entire situation of the Hundred Years' War. Before the treaty, Burgundy and England were working together against France. This made it very hard for France to win battles and regain its territory.

Burgundy Switches Sides

The most important part of the Treaty of Arras was that Burgundy decided to stop being allies with England. Instead, Burgundy made peace with the King of France, Charles VII. This was a huge blow to England. It meant that England lost a powerful friend and had to fight France alone. For France, it was a massive victory because it weakened their main enemy and brought a powerful French-speaking region back into their side.

Impact on the War

With Burgundy no longer helping England, the balance of power in the Hundred Years' War shifted dramatically. France, which had been struggling, started to gain the upper hand. The treaty helped France to slowly push England out of its territories on the continent. This was a key moment that eventually led to France winning the Hundred Years' War.