The Hundred Years’ War: History of the War between the French and English in the 14th Century

The Hundred Years' War was a series of prolonged and intense conflicts between the kingdoms of England and France, spanning from 1337 to 1453. At its core, the war was rooted in a bitter dispute over the French throne, which was claimed by both the English royal House of Plantagenet and the French House of Valois. This disagreement over succession became more than a dynastic struggle; it evolved into a broader geopolitical and cultural clash, drawing in various powers from across Western Europe. The war became a defining event in medieval history, fundamentally shaping the course of European politics, society, and warfare.

The conflict was not a single, continuous battle but a series of engagements, truces, and temporary pauses in fighting, lasting a staggering 116 years. Over five generations, English and French rulers alternated between direct conflict and negotiated ceasefires, each side hoping to gain an upper hand in the long-running struggle. The war is commonly divided into three main phases: the Edwardian War (1337–1360), the Caroline War (1369–1389), and the Lancastrian War (1415–1453). These stages were marked by shifts in momentum and power, with the English initially achieving significant victories but eventually losing their dominance in the final stages of the war.

One of the most significant outcomes of the Hundred Years' War was its profound impact on European warfare. Both England and France introduced new military strategies and technologies, including the use of professional standing armies and the widespread deployment of artillery. These advancements marked a dramatic shift away from the feudal levies and knightly combat that had previously defined medieval warfare. The use of the longbow by English archers, for example, proved particularly effective in the decisive Battle of Crécy in 1346, and the war’s artillery, such as cannons and siege weapons, changed the way battles were fought.