Treaty of Troyes facts for kids

The Treaty of Troyes was an agreement made in 1420. It tried to change who would become king of France. The treaty said that Henry V of England and his sons would inherit the French throne. This would happen after the death of Charles VI of France. The treaty aimed to prevent Charles VII of France from becoming king.

What Was the Treaty of Troyes?

The Treaty of Troyes was a big deal during the Hundred Years' War. This long war was fought between England and France. The treaty was signed in the city of Troyes, France. It was an attempt to end the war by making an English king also the king of France.

Why Was the Treaty Signed?

France was in a difficult situation in 1420. King Charles VI of France was often sick. He had periods when he could not rule properly. This made France weak and divided. England, led by the strong King Henry V, had won many battles. They controlled large parts of France.

The French queen, Isabeau of Bavaria, and the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Good, supported the treaty. They wanted to make peace with England. They also did not like Charles VI's son, the Dauphin Charles (who later became Charles VII).

What Did the Treaty Say?

The main points of the Treaty of Troyes were:

• King Henry V of England would marry Catherine of Valois. She was the daughter of King Charles VI of France.
• Henry V would become the regent of France. This meant he would rule France while Charles VI was alive but unable to govern.
• After Charles VI died, Henry V and his children would become the kings of France.
• The treaty said that the Dauphin Charles (Charles VI's son) would not be king. This is called "disinheriting" him.

Why Did the Treaty Fail?

The Treaty of Troyes did not work out as planned. Several important things happened that stopped it from succeeding.

Deaths of the Kings

Both King Henry V of England and King Charles VI of France died very soon after the treaty was signed. Henry V died in August 1422. Charles VI died just two months later, in October 1422. This meant that Henry V never became king of France. His young son, Henry VI, was now the heir to both England and France. But he was just a baby.

The Rise of Joan of Arc

The French people did not fully accept the treaty. Many still supported the Dauphin Charles. A young peasant girl named Joan of Arc appeared in 1429. She inspired the French army. Joan helped Charles VII to be crowned king in Reims. She also led the French to important victories. These victories helped to push the English out of France.

Because of these events, the Treaty of Troyes eventually failed. Charles VII became the rightful king of France. The Hundred Years' War continued for many more years. It finally ended with France winning.