The Hundred Year's War was a conflict between the new countries of England and France that took place over the course of 116 years.
The map on the left shows the various stages of the war.
Basically, the war was fought over who should be the rightful king of France.
BACKGROUND
Back in 1066, William the Conqueror, who was from Northern France in an area called Normandy, invaded and took over England. Over the years, the English held lands in France and had feudal obligations towards the French king.
In 1328, the King of France died without a a direct male heir. However, the English king, Edward III, was related through his mother's line to the French royal family.
Therefore, he claimed the throne of France.
The French weren't particularly keen on having an English king. When a new French king was crowned, Edward decided to take over France by force.
This would be the start of the Hundred Years' War.
But it wasn't just about the kingship. The English wanted to control the French-held area of Flanders. Flanders was an important port and a profitable market for English goods, especially wool.
The map on the left shows the various stages of the war.
Basically, the war was fought over who should be the rightful king of France.
BACKGROUND
Back in 1066, William the Conqueror, who was from Northern France in an area called Normandy, invaded and took over England. Over the years, the English held lands in France and had feudal obligations towards the French king.
In 1328, the King of France died without a a direct male heir. However, the English king, Edward III, was related through his mother's line to the French royal family.
Therefore, he claimed the throne of France.
The French weren't particularly keen on having an English king. When a new French king was crowned, Edward decided to take over France by force.
This would be the start of the Hundred Years' War.
But it wasn't just about the kingship. The English wanted to control the French-held area of Flanders. Flanders was an important port and a profitable market for English goods, especially wool.
Military Technology of the Hundred Years' War
The English were very successful in the early stages of the war. This was due primarily to an English weapon: The Long Bow.
The long bow was instrumental in the early English victories, such as at the Battle of Crecy, Potiers and Agincourt. The use of the long bow meant that hand-to-hand fighting, which was so important to the idea of Chivalry, was no longer essential in warfare. Death could rain down from the skies.
In addition, the Hundred Years' War saw the first use of gunpowder in Europe for military purposes. Although the first cannon was fired early in the war, technology increased. By the end of the war, guns and cannons completely destroyed the English use of the Long Bow--in effect, making the long bow obsolete.
In addition, the Hundred Years' War saw the first use of gunpowder in Europe for military purposes. Although the first cannon was fired early in the war, technology increased. By the end of the war, guns and cannons completely destroyed the English use of the Long Bow--in effect, making the long bow obsolete.