The Hundred Years War

During the Hundred Years War

English and French forces fought against each other for control of France. The war was the most important of the Napoleonic Wars and a pivotal moment in history. Here's a look at some of the events that took place during this period.

Early years

Often described as the longest military conflict in European history, the Hundred Years War was fought from 1337 to 1453 between France and England. It saw a major development in the use of gunpowder weapons and in military strategy. This period also saw the birth of nationalistic sentiment in France and England.

The Hundred Years War started in 1337 when Edward III claimed the French throne. His first cousin, Charles IV, was killed without a male heir and Edward took the throne. Edward arranged for troops to cross the English Channel in 1339. After a battle at Sluis, Edward severely defeated the French fleet.

Initially, English forces won the war. However, they suffered heavy losses and were beaten back. As the war progressed, the English army began using light armoured mounted troops. A change in weaponry was also introduced, with a wide variety of guns and cannons replacing heavy cavalry.

Battle of Beauge

During the Hundred Years War, the Battle of Beauge was a major victory for the Scottish army. The battle marked the end of six years of defeat for the French. It was also a significant blow to the English army. The battle also set a precedent for the future.

The French first line of men-at-arms numbered between six and nine thousand. The mounted wings were unable to charge through palings lining the battlefield, and lost discipline. The French archers, on the other hand, blasted the English at close range.

There was a small cavalry clash at the same location, and some of the English men-at-arms arrived late. The French army was led by the Constable of La Fayette, and the lord of Fontaines. During the battle, the French lost a number of senior commanders.

War of Saint-Sardos

During the early ages of the French empire, the town of Saint Sardos amounted to a medieval town, comprising of a couple of dozen houses and a Benedictine priory. It also happened to be the home of a slew of swashbuckling nobles. The most notable occupant was a young prince called Edward the First, dubbed a rogue by the French and a rogue by the English. It was also a hive of intrigue, a place to be seen and not to be seen. The most egregious of the latter was a certain Mr. Edward II, the second son of the previous occupant. The aforementioned rogue was only too happy to oblige. The small town played host to a large contingent of swashbuckling English nobility, notably the aforementioned rogue, a handful of dashing dukes and dames, and a few scoundrels.

Breton War of Succession

During the thirteenth century, the Breton War of Succession was an ongoing conflict between the Counts of Blois and the Montforts of Brittany. This war was part of the Hundred Years War, and was also the first war between Brittany and England. It also had an impact on the history of the Kingdom of France.

The Breton War of Succession lasted for sixty four years. It was fought mainly by the Montforts and Counts of Blois. It was also a major part of the Hundred Years War, and served as a test of British and French military might. The Breton nobility fought a valiant fight, but the outcome was not a smooth one. During the war, the city of Vannes changed hands many times. A Breton soldier named Bertrand du Guesclin became one of France's most successful generals in the Hundred Years War.

English diplomacy after the war

During the Hundred Years' War, England and France were engaged in a series of battles. Throughout the conflict, there was a lot of disagreement between the two rival camps. This led to many problems. In the end, the war resulted in the loss of territory to England.

At the end of the war, the English treasury was almost bankrupt. Trade was devastated, and the economy suffered. During the war, the English aristocracy tripled in size.

After the war, the English aristocracy was more rich than ever. They could better use their private armies to increase their wealth. The tax base was also increased. However, the increased taxes caused social unrest. The peasant revolts made the tax offices more professional.

As a result of the war, the English gained a reputation as a powerful navy. They conquered the French colonies in North America and the Philippines. This led to the creation of a powerful British Empire.