Castilian Civil War facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The First Castilian Civil War
Part of the Hundred Years War
Battle of Nájera, from a fifteenth-century manuscript, the English and Pedro are on the left while the French and Henry are on the right.
Date 1351–1369 Location Crown of Castile Result Victory for Henry of Trastámara
Belligerents
Forces of Peter of Castile Kingdom of England Kingdom of Navarre Kingdom of Majorca Emirate of Granada Duchy of Aquitaine Others Elite European mercenaries	Forces of Henry of Trastámara Kingdom of France Crown of Aragon
Commanders and leaders
Peter of Castile  † Edward, the Black Prince	Henry of Trastámara Bertrand du Guesclin

The Castilian Civil War was a long fight over who should be the king of Castile. It lasted from 1351 to 1369. This war began after King Alfonso XI of Castile died in 1350. It soon became part of a bigger conflict called the Hundred Years' War. This larger war was fought between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France.

The Castilian Civil War was mainly fought in Castile and its nearby waters. The main people fighting were the reigning king, Peter, and his half-brother, Henry of Trastámara. They both believed they had the right to be king.

Why Did the War Start?

King Peter was called "The Just" by his friends. But his enemies called him "The Cruel." Many powerful nobles thought he was a harsh ruler. They felt he forced his will on people who used to be free. Peter had also started a war with the Crown of Aragon, known as "The War of the Two Peters."

His half-brother Henry quickly gained support from many important people. He was backed by the nobles, France, Aragon, and even the Papacy (the Pope). In 1366, Henry officially said Peter was no longer king. He then declared himself king in the monastery of Las Huelgas. He claimed the crowns of Castile, León, Toledo, and Seville.

Key Events of the Conflict

Henry's First Invasion

In 1366, Henry was living in France. He gathered a large army there. This army included soldiers from both France and Aragon. They met in Montpellier and then invaded Castile. The kings of France (Charles V) and Aragon (Peter IV) supported Henry. Henry's invasion was successful, and he forced King Peter to run away.

Peter Seeks English Help

Peter fled to Bayonne, a city controlled by England in Gascony. There, he asked Edward, the Black Prince for help. The Black Prince was a famous English military leader. Peter promised lands in Castile in return for this help. With English troops led by the Black Prince, Peter returned to Castile.

In 1367, Peter won back his power after the Battle of Nájera (Navarette). This victory forced Henry to go back to France. However, Peter then refused to keep his promises to the English and his allies. Because of this, the Black Prince and other allies soon left Castile.

Henry's Return and Victory

In 1368, Henry and King Charles V of France signed the Treaty of Toledo. This agreement meant that Castile would lend its fleet in the Bay of Biscay to France. In return, France would provide military help on land.

Henry then moved into Galicia, taking several towns. In April, he captured the city of León. After this, the entire province of Galicia sided with Henry. He re-entered Castile in 1369. Henry then defeated and killed Peter after the Battle of Campo de Montiel.

Henry was then crowned King Henry II. He quickly made his rule strong. Castile became a close ally of France in their ongoing wars.

See also

In Spanish: Primera guerra civil castellana para niños