Hundred Years' War facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hundred Years' War |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Anglo-French Wars | |||||||||
 Clockwise, from top left: The Battle of La Rochelle, The Battle of Agincourt, The Battle of Patay, Joan of Arc at the Siege of Orléans |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
|
|
||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
|
||||||||
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
The Hundred Years' War was a long series of fights between the kingdoms of England and France. It lasted from 1337 to 1453, which is 116 years! But it wasn't a continuous battle; there were many breaks, like when the terrible Black Death plague spread across Europe. This war started because of disagreements over land and who should be the king of France. King Edward III of England believed he had a right to the French throne. This conflict became a huge struggle involving many parts of Western Europe. It also helped people in both England and France feel more like a united nation.
This war was a very important event in the Middle Ages. Kings from two powerful families fought for control of France, which was a rich and important kingdom. The war changed how battles were fought forever. New weapons and strategies appeared, like professional armies and cannons. It also helped shape the identities of both England and France, making them stronger and more united countries.
Historians later named it the "Hundred Years' War." It's known as one of the longest military conflicts in European history. The war had three main parts, with peaceful breaks in between: the Edwardian War (1337–1360), the Caroline War (1369–1389), and the Lancastrian War (1415–1453). Many other countries joined in, helping either England or France. Even though England had early successes, France eventually won and kept its kingdom. After this, the kings of England and France stayed separate. English kings continued to claim the title of 'King of France' for many years, but it was just a title.
Contents
Why the Hundred Years' War Started
.png)
The main reasons for this long war go back to problems in Europe during the 1300s. Kings of France and England often argued over land. The official reason for the war was a disagreement about who should be the next king of France.
These tensions had been building for centuries. Ever since the Norman Conquest in 1066, English kings also held lands in France. This made them vassals, or loyal subjects, to the French king. But an English king being a vassal to a French king caused many problems and arguments.
In 1328, Charles IV of France died without any sons. This created a big problem: who would rule France next? His closest male relative was his nephew, Edward III of England. Edward's mother, Isabella of France, was Charles's sister. She believed her son should be king.
However, French nobles decided that a woman could not pass on the right to be king. They chose Philip VI of France, a French cousin of Charles, to be their new king. Edward III disagreed but eventually accepted Philip as king for a while.
But the arguments continued, especially over the region of Gascony. In 1337, King Philip decided to take Gascony back from England. This made Edward III very angry, and he decided to fight for his claim to the French throne.
Early English Victories (Edwardian War)
At the start of the war, England had great success. King Edward III and his brave son, Edward the Black Prince, led the English armies. They won important battles like Crécy in 1346 and Poitiers in 1356. In the Battle of Poitiers, the French King John II of France was even captured by the English!
French Comeback and the Black Death
By 1378, the French started to win back their lands. King Charles V of France, known as "the Wise," and his skilled commander Bertrand du Guesclin led this effort. They took back most of the areas England had gained, leaving England with only a few cities in France.
Both countries faced huge problems during this time. The Black Death, a terrible plague, swept across Europe between 1347 and 1351. It caused massive death and suffering. Millions of people died in France and England. This led to a shortage of workers and economic difficulties. It also caused unrest among the people and weakened the power of the kings.
Final French Victory (Lancastrian War)
King Henry V of England saw a chance to restart the war. King Charles VI of France was unwell, and France was also fighting a civil war. Henry V won huge battles like Agincourt in 1415 and Verneuil in 1424. He even made an alliance with a powerful French group called the Burgundians.
It looked like England might win the war completely. However, things changed. Both Henry V and Charles VI died in 1422. Then, a young woman named Joan of Arc appeared. She greatly inspired the French army and people. Also, the Burgundians stopped being allies with England.
The Siege of Orléans in 1429 was a turning point. Joan of Arc helped the French lift the siege, which was a huge victory. Even after Joan was captured and sadly died in 1431, the French kept winning. Battles like Patay (1429), Formigny (1450), and Castillon (1453) were key. By the end, England lost almost all its lands in France, except for the city of Calais.
How the War Changed Everything
The Hundred Years' War wasn't just fought in France and England. Other smaller conflicts in places like Brittany, Castile (Spain), and Portugal also became part of the larger struggle. Both sides used these local wars to help their own goals.
By the end of the war, armies looked very different. Instead of knights fighting for their lords, there were now professional soldiers. New weapons like cannons became very important. This war led to the first permanent armies in Western Europe since ancient Roman times. It completely changed how wars were fought.
The war also made people in France and England feel more like a single nation. Even though France suffered greatly from the fighting and diseases, it became a stronger, more organized country. In England, losing the war caused problems for the nobles and led to another conflict called the Wars of the Roses.
Key Moments and Battles
The Start of the Conflict: 1337–1360
The war officially began in May 1337. King Philip of France decided to take back the English lands in Aquitaine (Gascony). He said King Edward III had not followed his duties as a vassal. Edward responded by claiming he was the rightful King of France.
In 1340, Edward III declared himself King of France. He wanted to strengthen his alliances with other European regions, especially Flanders, which relied on English wool. This helped him gain support against Philip.
In June 1340, the English fleet, led by Edward, attacked the French fleet near Sluis. The English tricked the French into thinking they were leaving. Then, with the wind behind them, they attacked. The French fleet was almost completely destroyed. This victory gave England control of the English Channel for the rest of the war.
The Battle of Crécy and Calais
In 1346, Edward III launched a big invasion of Normandy. His army quickly captured the city of Caen. Philip gathered a large French army to stop him. Edward marched north, pillaging towns as he went.
The two armies met at the Battle of Crécy in 1346. It was a huge disaster for the French. The English longbowmen were very effective. Philip's army attacked before they were ready. After this victory, Edward besieged and captured the city of Calais in 1347. Calais became a very important base for England in northern France.
The Battle of Poitiers
After the Black Death, fighting resumed. In 1355, Edward's son, Edward the Black Prince, led a raiding campaign from Gascony into France. He pillaged many towns. The next year, he continued his raids.
At the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, the Black Prince's army defeated the French. King John II of France was captured during this battle. With their king held hostage, France faced a lot of chaos and unrest.
Black Monday and the Treaty of Brétigny
Edward III invaded France again, hoping to become king. But the French avoided direct battle. Edward tried to be crowned in Reims, but the city's defenses held strong. He then moved towards Paris and Chartres.
A terrible hailstorm hit the English army near Chartres in 1360. This event, known as Black Monday, caused many English deaths. It forced Edward to negotiate peace. The Treaty of Brétigny was signed, giving England more land in Aquitaine. In return, Edward gave up his claim to the French throne and agreed to a ransom for King John.
French Gains Under Charles V: 1369–1389
King John II died in captivity in London in 1364. His son, Charles V of France, became the new French king. Charles V, with his skilled commander Bertrand du Guesclin, began to win back French lands.
War in Aquitaine and Castile
A civil war in Castile (Spain) in 1366 drew in both England and France. England supported Peter of Castile, while France supported Henry of Trastámara. The Black Prince led an army into Castile to help Peter.
However, the Castilians did not pay the Black Prince as promised. To cover his debts, the Prince introduced a new tax in Aquitaine. Many French lords refused to pay and asked Charles V for help. This led to war breaking out again. Charles V declared that all English lands in France were forfeited.
With French help, Henry of Trastámara eventually won the Castilian Civil War. The Castilian navy then helped France attack English ships and coastal towns. In 1372, the Castilian fleet defeated the English fleet at the Battle of La Rochelle.
English Troubles and Richard II
The Black Prince returned to England in 1371 due to illness. He died in 1376. King Edward III died the next year, and his young grandson, Richard II, became king at age 10. By 1380, the English held only Calais and a few other ports in France.
Richard II faced many challenges, including the Peasants' Revolt in 1381. High taxes to pay for the war made him unpopular. Both England and France faced internal problems, which slowed down the fighting for a while.
A Period of Peace: 1389–1415
The war became very unpopular in England because of the high taxes. In 1389, a three-year truce was signed, bringing a period of peace.
In France, King Charles VI of France became mentally unwell in 1392. This led to a power struggle among his relatives. His uncle, Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, and his brother, Louis, Duke of Orléans, fought for control. This conflict eventually led to a French civil war.
These internal problems in both England and France meant less fighting between the two kingdoms for about a decade.
Henry V Restarts the War: 1415–1429
The Battle of Agincourt (1415)
In 1415, King Henry V invaded France. He besieged and captured Harfleur. Then, he marched his army towards Calais. He met a much larger French army at the Battle of Agincourt.
Despite being outnumbered, Henry V won a huge victory. The French suffered a catastrophic defeat, losing many noble leaders. This battle was a major triumph for England.
The Treaty of Troyes (1420)
Henry V continued to conquer parts of Normandy. He formed an alliance with the Burgundians, who had taken Paris. In 1420, Henry met with King Charles VI of France. They signed the Treaty of Troyes.
This treaty stated that Henry would marry Charles's daughter, Catherine. Their children would inherit the throne of France. Charles VI's own son, Charles VII, was declared illegitimate. Henry V entered Paris, and the agreement was approved.
English Successes Continue
Henry V died in 1422, possibly from illness. The elderly King Charles VI of France also died two months later. Henry left behind his nine-month-old son, Henry, who became king of both England and France.
The war continued under the leadership of Henry V's brother, the Duke of Bedford. The English won another important victory at the Battle of Verneuil in 1424. This battle greatly weakened the French army and their Scottish allies.
Joan of Arc and French Victory
Joan of Arc Inspires France
In 1428, the English laid siege to Orléans, a key French city. The city was close to surrendering due to lack of food. In April 1429, a young peasant girl named Joan of Arc convinced the French Dauphin (prince) to send her to Orléans. She said she had visions from God telling her to drive out the English.
Joan entered the city and quickly boosted the morale of the French troops. They attacked the English forts, forcing the English to lift the siege. Inspired by Joan, the French captured several other English strongholds along the Loire River.
The English retreated, with the French army pursuing them. At the Battle of Patay, French cavalry broke through the English lines. The English lost many men, and their commander, John Talbot, was captured. This victory allowed the Dauphin to march to Reims and be crowned King Charles VII in July 1429.
Joan's Capture and the Burgundian Alliance
Joan of Arc was captured by the Burgundians in 1430. They handed her over to the English. She was put on trial and found guilty. Sadly, she was burned at the stake in 1431. However, she was later cleared of all charges 25 years later.
After Joan's death, the war began to turn against the English. In 1435, Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, switched his allegiance to Charles VII. He signed the Treaty of Arras, which returned Paris to the French king. This was a huge blow to English power in France.
French Army Reforms and Final Victories
During long truces, Charles VII worked to make France stronger. He reorganized his army, creating a modern, professional force. The French also developed excellent artillery (cannons), which became the best in the world. Castles that once took months to capture could now fall in days.
By 1449, the French had retaken Rouen. In 1450, the French army defeated an English force at the Battle of Formigny. This victory was crucial for the French.
The Conquest of Gascony
After securing Normandy, Charles VII focused on Gascony, the last English-held province. Bordeaux, Gascony's capital, surrendered to the French in 1451. However, John Talbot recaptured the city for England in 1452.
The English were decisively defeated at the Battle of Castillon in 1453. The French used their powerful cannons from a well-prepared camp. Talbot and his son were killed, and the English suffered heavy losses. This battle effectively ended the war.
The End of the War
The Battle of Castillon is considered the last battle of the Hundred Years' War. Bordeaux fell to the French in October 1453. England and France remained officially at war for another 20 years, but there was no more fighting. England faced its own problems at home, leading to the Wars of the Roses.
In 1475, the Treaty of Picquigny formally ended the Hundred Years' War. King Edward IV of England gave up his claim to the French throne. English kings continued to use the title "King of France" until 1803, but it was just a symbol.
Impact of the War
Historical Changes
The French victory marked the end of a long period of instability. England lost all its lands in mainland Europe, except for Calais. The war ended England's dream of a combined monarchy with France. It also led to English people rejecting French influences. English became the official language in England, and French was no longer used for teaching.
The war helped create stronger national feelings in both France and England. Despite the destruction, France became a more centralized and powerful state. In England, the defeat led to political and financial problems, which contributed to the Wars of the Roses.
The Hundred Years' War also had a huge impact on population. The Black Death and the war itself drastically reduced the number of people in Europe. France lost about half its population, and England's population also fell significantly.
Military Innovations
The Hundred Years' War was a time of rapid change in how wars were fought. Weapons, tactics, and army structures all evolved. The old feudal system, where knights fought for their lords, slowly disappeared.
By the end of the war, armies were more professional. New tactics were developed to counter heavy cavalry. Lightly armored mounted troops, called hobelars, became important. They could move quickly through difficult terrain. The Battle of Castillon, the last major battle, was won largely because of the widespread use of field artillery (cannons).
Important People
France
| Arms | Historical Figure | Life | Role(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
.svg){kind=small} |
King Philip VI | 1293–1350 Reigned 1328–1350 |
First Valois King of France |
|
King John II | 1319–1364 Reigned 1350–1364 |
Captured by the English |
|
King Charles V | 1338–1380 Reigned 1364–1380 |
Known as "the Wise," regained French lands |
 |
Bertrand du Guesclin | 1320–1380 | Famous French commander |
.svg){kind=small} |
King Charles VI | 1368–1422 Reigned 1380–1422 |
Suffered from mental illness |
|
King Charles VII | 1403–1461 Reigned 1422–1461 |
Crowned with Joan of Arc's help |
 |
Joan of Arc | 1412–1431 | Inspired French victory |
 |
Jean Bureau | 1390–1463 | Master of French artillery |
England
| Arms | Historical Figure | Life | Role(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Isabella of France | 1295–1358 Regent of England 1327–1330 |
Mother of Edward III |
.svg){kind=small} |
King Edward III | 1312–1377 Reigned 1327–1377 |
Claimed the French throne |
.svg){kind=small} |
Edward the Black Prince | 1330–1376 | Edward III's son, a skilled commander |
 |
John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster |
1340–1399 | Edward III's son, influential figure |
.svg){kind=small} |
King Richard II | 1367–1400 Reigned 1377–1399 |
Grandson of Edward III |
.svg){kind=small} |
King Henry V | 1387–1422 Reigned 1413–1422 |
Won the Battle of Agincourt |
 |
Catherine of Valois | 1401–1437 | Queen of England, married Henry V |
 |
John of Lancaster Duke of Bedford |
1389–1435 Regent 1422–1435 |
Regent for Henry VI in France |
 |
John Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury |
1387–1453 | English commander, died at Castillon |
.svg){kind=small} |
King Henry VI | 1421–1471 Reigned 1422–1461 |
Crowned King of England and France |
Burgundy
| Arms | Historical Figure | Life | Role(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Philip the Bold Duke of Burgundy |
1342–1404 Duke 1363–1404 |
Son of John II of France |
 |
John the Fearless Duke of Burgundy |
1371–1419 Duke 1404–1419 |
Switched alliances during the war |
 |
Philip the Good Duke of Burgundy |
1396–1467 Duke 1419–1467 |
Allied with England, then France |
Images for kids
-
Homage of Edward I of England to Philip IV of France, 1286.
-
Map of France in 1330, showing English territories in red.
-
The spread of the Black Death across Europe.
-
Map of France in 1477, after the Burgundian War.
See also
In Spanish: Guerra de los Cien Años para niños
- France–United Kingdom relations
- Influence of French on English
- List of Hundred Years' War battles
- Military history of France
- Military history of the United Kingdom
- Timeline of the Hundred Years' War
