Questions with Answers on “The Hundred Years’ War: A Conflict That Changed History”

1. What were the main causes of the Hundred Years’ War?

Answer:
The Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453) was primarily caused by a series of political, territorial, and dynastic disputes between England and France. The key causes were:

• The English Claim to the French Throne: The war began when Edward III of England claimed the French throne after the death of Charles IV of France in 1328. Since Charles IV had no male heirs, Edward III, who was the grandson of Philip IV of France, argued that he had a legitimate right to the throne. However, the French nobility chose Philip VI, a cousin of Charles IV, which led to the conflict.
• Territorial Disputes: England and France had longstanding territorial disputes, particularly in the region of Gascony, which was held by England but claimed by France. This territorial tension escalated when France attempted to assert control over Gascony, sparking military conflict.
• Economic Rivalry: Both kingdoms were vying for dominance in Europe, especially in regions that were rich in trade, such as the Flemish cities. The conflict also had an economic component, with England’s wool trade being heavily reliant on Flanders, a region that depended on French support.

2. How did the Battle of Crécy (1346) influence the course of the Hundred Years’ War?

Answer:
The Battle of Crécy, fought on August 26, 1346, was a decisive English victory early in the war and had a significant impact on the course of the conflict.

• Longbow and Military Tactics: The English forces, under King Edward III, used the longbow effectively, decimating the French cavalry. The French, who relied heavily on knights and crossbowmen, were unprepared for the effectiveness of the English longbowmen, which allowed the English to achieve victory despite being outnumbered.
• Strategic Importance: The victory at Crécy opened the way for the English to capture Calais, which became a key English port for the remainder of the war and allowed them to launch further invasions into France. It also undermined the French monarchy’s control over the northern regions of France.

3. Discuss the role of Joan of Arc in the Hundred Years’ War.

Answer:
Joan of Arc was a pivotal figure in the later stages of the Hundred Years’ War, especially in turning the tide of the conflict in favor of France.

• Divine Inspiration: Joan, a peasant girl from Lorraine, claimed to have received divine visions instructing her to support Charles VII, the Dauphin (heir to the French throne), and help him reclaim his kingdom from English control.
• Military Leadership: Despite having no formal military training, Joan played a crucial role in leading French forces during the Siege of Orléans in 1429, lifting the siege and giving the French army a much-needed morale boost. Her success helped Charles VII to be crowned King of France in Reims in July 1429, marking a symbolic victory for the French cause.
• Martyrdom and Legacy: Joan was captured by the English in 1430, tried for heresy, and executed by burning at the stake in 1431. Her martyrdom further galvanized French resistance, and she became a symbol of French unity and nationalism.

4. What role did the English longbow play in the Hundred Years’ War?

Answer:
The English longbow was one of the most significant military innovations of the Hundred Years’ War, contributing greatly to English successes on the battlefield.

• Effectiveness of the Longbow: The longbow had a greater range and accuracy than the French crossbow. It could shoot arrows over a longer distance, allowing English archers to target French knights and soldiers from a distance before the French forces could engage in close combat.
• Key Victories: The Battle of Crécy (1346), the Battle of Poitiers (1356), and the Battle of Agincourt (1415) were all major English victories where the longbow played a decisive role. At Agincourt, for example, English archers killed thousands of French soldiers, despite the French army being much larger.
• Impact on Warfare: The use of the longbow led to a shift in medieval military tactics, reducing the reliance on heavy cavalry and emphasizing the importance of infantry.

5. What were the key consequences of the Battle of Agincourt (1415)?

Answer:
The Battle of Agincourt, fought on October 25, 1415, was one of the most famous battles of the Hundred Years’ War and had significant long-term consequences for both England and France.

• English Victory: Despite being heavily outnumbered, the English army, led by King Henry V, decisively defeated the French forces. The English longbowmen once again proved decisive, decimating the French cavalry and infantry.
• Political and Military Consequences: The victory at Agincourt strengthened Henry V’s position in France and allowed him to secure the Treaty of Troyes (1420), which recognized him as the heir to the French throne. It also forced the French monarchy into a period of internal instability, with the Armagnac and Burgundian factions fighting for control.
• Moral Boost for England: The victory at Agincourt helped solidify English control over much of northern France, and it boosted English morale during a period when the war seemed to be in France’s favor.

6. How did the Black Death impact the Hundred Years’ War?

Answer:
The Black Death, which struck Europe between 1347 and 1351, had a profound impact on the Hundred Years’ War, influencing both military and social dynamics.

• Depletion of Populations: The Black Death killed an estimated one-third of Europe’s population, leading to a shortage of soldiers on both sides of the conflict. The reduction in manpower affected the ability of both the English and French to maintain large armies.
• Impact on Warfare: The outbreak of the plague led to pauses in military campaigns, as armies were often too small to wage effective warfare. This allowed the French to regroup and reorganize, eventually regaining territories lost earlier in the war.
• Economic Consequences: The devastation caused by the plague also affected the economies of both nations, leading to a shortage of resources for funding the war effort.

7. What was the Treaty of Brétigny (1360), and how did it affect the course of the Hundred Years’ War?

Answer:
The Treaty of Brétigny, signed in 1360, was a temporary peace agreement between England and France during the Hundred Years’ War.

• Terms of the Treaty: The treaty recognized Edward III’s claim to the Duchy of Guyenne (Gascony) in southwestern France and allowed England to retain control over vast territories in northern and southwestern France. In exchange, Edward renounced his claim to the French throne.
• Short-Lived Peace: Although the treaty brought a temporary halt to the fighting, it ultimately failed to bring lasting peace. Tensions remained high between the two kingdoms, and the French resumed hostilities in 1369, leading to further conflict.
• Impact on English Strategy: The treaty allowed England to secure important territories but also emboldened Edward III, who believed that further military campaigns would eventually lead to a final victory over France.

8. How did the internal divisions in France contribute to the success of England in the Hundred Years’ War?

Answer:
Internal divisions within France played a critical role in enabling English success during certain phases of the Hundred Years’ War.

• The Armagnac and Burgundian Factions: France was embroiled in a civil war between two powerful factions—the Armagnacs, who supported the Dauphin (Charles VII), and the Burgundians, who aligned with the English. This internal conflict weakened France’s ability to present a united front against England.
• The Treaty of Troyes (1420): The Burgundian faction, led by Philip the Good, reached an agreement with Henry V of England under the Treaty of Troyes, which disinherited Charles VII and made Henry V the heir to the French throne. This division within France allowed the English to advance their interests in the kingdom.
• The Role of Joan of Arc: Joan of Arc’s intervention, in part, helped unite the French factions under Charles VII and played a significant role in reversing the tide of the war in favor of France.

9. What was the significance of the Battle of Poitiers (1356)?

Answer:
The Battle of Poitiers, fought on September 19, 1356, was a crucial battle during the Hundred Years’ War that had significant military and political consequences.

• French Defeat: The French army, led by King John II, was decisively defeated by the English forces under Edward, the Black Prince. The battle resulted in the capture of King John II and many French nobles, which had a profound effect on French morale and leadership.
• Political Consequences: The capture of King John II led to a period of instability in France. King John was eventually ransomed, but the loss weakened French resolve and gave the English a strategic advantage.
• Impact on the War: The victory at Poitiers allowed England to maintain control over a significant portion of

French territory, although it did not lead to the end of the conflict.

10. How did the Hundred Years’ War affect the feudal system in England and France?

Answer:
The Hundred Years’ War had a transformative effect on the feudal system in both England and France, as it contributed to the decline of feudalism and the rise of centralized monarchies.

• Rise of Professional Armies: Both England and France began to rely more on paid professional soldiers, particularly archers, rather than feudal levies of knights. This shift in military structure reduced the power of the feudal nobility.
• Increased Royal Power: The war helped centralize the power of the monarchy, as both English and French kings relied more on standing armies and taxation to fund the war effort. This reduced the influence of feudal lords, who traditionally had their own private armies.
• Economic Changes: The war placed a heavy burden on the economies of both kingdoms, leading to the development of new taxation systems, including the poll tax in England and the taille in France. These fiscal measures weakened the traditional feudal obligations of the nobility.

11. What was the role of the French naval forces in the Hundred Years’ War?

Answer:
The French navy played a critical role in the Hundred Years’ War, although it was often overshadowed by land battles.

• Naval Engagements: Early in the war, the French navy suffered significant defeats, notably in the Battle of Sluys (1340), where the English fleet decisively defeated the French. This gave England control over the English Channel and maritime trade routes.
• French Naval Resurgence: However, during the later stages of the war, particularly under the leadership of Charles V and Charles VII, the French navy improved. The French used their naval forces to challenge English supply lines and facilitate the transport of troops.
• Strategic Importance: The naval blockade imposed by England on French ports contributed to France’s economic difficulties, while French efforts to build a stronger navy in the later stages of the war helped limit English control of the seas.

12. How did the Treaty of Picquigny (1475) bring an end to the conflict?

Answer:
The Treaty of Picquigny, signed in 1475, was a peace treaty between England and France that effectively ended the Hundred Years’ War.

• Terms of the Treaty: Under the treaty, King Edward IV of England agreed to a permanent peace with France in exchange for a substantial annual pension from King Louis XI. The treaty recognized the territorial status quo and led to a cessation of hostilities between the two kingdoms.
• Impact on England: The treaty allowed England to focus on domestic issues and consolidate its power after years of warfare. However, England’s interests in France were largely abandoned, and the country turned inward during the late 15th century.
• Conclusion of the War: Although the treaty marked the formal end of the Hundred Years’ War, it did not result in a complete English victory. Nevertheless, the French emerged as the ultimate victors, having regained most of the territory lost during the conflict.

13. What was the significance of the use of gunpowder during the Hundred Years’ War?

Answer:
The use of gunpowder during the Hundred Years’ War was a significant development that changed the nature of warfare.

• Early Gunpowder Weapons: Both the English and French began to use gunpowder weapons, such as cannons and hand-held firearms, during the war. These weapons were used primarily in sieges to breach castle walls and fortifications.
• Siege of Orléans (1429): The French used gunpowder artillery during the Siege of Orléans, marking a shift in siege tactics. Although gunpowder weapons were still in their infancy, they began to challenge the traditional reliance on archers and knights.
• Long-Term Impact: The use of gunpowder in warfare during the Hundred Years’ War foreshadowed the widespread adoption of firearms and artillery in future conflicts, marking the decline of medieval siege tactics and heavily armored cavalry.

14. How did the Hundred Years’ War influence the development of national identities in England and France?

Answer:
The Hundred Years’ War played a crucial role in the formation of national identities in both England and France.

• English Nationalism: The war fostered a sense of English national pride, especially after victories such as Agincourt. The English monarchy and the military elite began to identify more with their nation than with the feudal structures that had previously defined their roles.
• French Nationalism: The war also contributed to the development of a French national identity, particularly after the leadership of Joan of Arc, who united various factions under the French banner. Her actions and subsequent martyrdom symbolized a new sense of French unity and resistance against English occupation.
• Cultural Impact: The war created a lasting cultural legacy, with both nations producing literature and art celebrating their respective heroes and victories. The war was instrumental in shaping the early modern national consciousness of both England and France.

15. What were the economic impacts of the Hundred Years’ War on England and France?

Answer:
The Hundred Years’ War had significant economic consequences for both England and France, affecting trade, taxation, and social structures.

• English Economy: The war placed a heavy financial burden on England, which relied on taxes and loans to fund its military campaigns. The war disrupted trade routes, particularly in the wool industry, which was a major source of income for England. However, the English economy adapted by developing a more centralized tax system and relying on merchant support.
• French Economy: The French economy was devastated by the war. The English occupation of large portions of France disrupted agriculture and trade, leading to widespread poverty. In response, France had to increase taxation, which created social unrest. The war also led to inflation and a decrease in the standard of living for many French citizens.
• Long-Term Effects: Both kingdoms faced significant economic challenges in the aftermath of the war, which contributed to internal instability and social change. However, France’s economy eventually recovered faster due to its larger population and more diverse resources.

16. What role did diplomacy play in the Hundred Years’ War?

Answer:
Diplomacy played a key role in the Hundred Years’ War, with both England and France engaging in various peace treaties and alliances to further their interests.

• Treaties: Numerous treaties were signed throughout the war, including the Treaty of Brétigny (1360), the Treaty of Picquigny (1475), and the Treaty of Troyes (1420), each of which temporarily altered the balance of power and shaped the trajectory of the conflict.
• French Alliances: France sought alliances with other European powers, such as Burgundy and Scotland, to weaken England’s position. However, these alliances were often short-lived due to shifting political interests.
• English Diplomacy: England also sought to form alliances with foreign powers like the Kingdom of Navarre and the Duchy of Brittany, but these efforts were often unsuccessful due to the dynamic nature of medieval politics.

17. How did the Hundred Years’ War impact the social structures of both England and France?

Answer:
The Hundred Years’ War had profound social impacts on both England and France, particularly in terms of class relationships, social mobility, and the power of the nobility.

• Decline of Feudalism: The war contributed to the decline of feudalism as kings in both kingdoms started relying more on professional soldiers rather than feudal levies. This shift undermined the power of the nobility and increased the centralization of the monarchy.
• Social Mobility: The war allowed for greater social mobility, particularly for commoners who joined the military. The rise of archery as a dominant military force meant that individuals from lower classes could gain recognition and wealth through military service.
• Peasant Uprisings: Both England and France experienced social unrest and peasant uprisings during the war. In England, the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 was a direct response to high taxes imposed to fund the war.

18. What was the significance of the Treaty of Troyes (1420) in the Hundred Years’ War?

Answer:
The Treaty of Troyes, signed in 1420, was a crucial agreement that had far-reaching consequences for both England and France.

• Terms of the Treaty: The treaty recognized Henry V of England as the heir to the French throne, disinheriting the Dauphin Charles VII. It effectively made Henry V the ruler of both England and France, creating the possibility of a dynastic union between the two kingdoms.
• Political and Military Impact: The treaty was a major diplomatic victory for England, as it solidified English control over much of France. However, it also led to further division within France, with the Armagnac and Burgundian factions continuing their rivalry.
• Joan of Arc’s Role: The Treaty of Troyes was overturned by the actions of Joan of Arc, whose military successes and support for Charles VII led to his eventual coronation as king, undermining the treaty’s legitimacy.

19. What were the roles of the French nobility and the English monarchy during the Hundred Years’ War?

Answer:
The roles of the French nobility and the English monarchy were central to the dynamics of the Hundred Years’ War, with both playing critical roles in the course of the conflict.

• French Nobility: The French nobility was divided between factions, with the Armagnacs supporting Charles VII and the Burgundians aligning with the English. This internal conflict weakened France and allowed England to gain a foothold in the kingdom.
• English Monarchy: The English monarchy, particularly under Edward III and Henry V, played a central role in shaping the course of the war. English kings pursued aggressive military campaigns and made strategic alliances, which allowed England to control large parts of France for much of the war.

20. How did the Hundred Years’ War change the nature of medieval warfare?

Answer:
The Hundred Years’ War marked a turning point in medieval warfare, with several key changes in tactics, technology, and military organization.

• Rise of Infantry: The war saw a shift from the dominance of cavalry to the increasing importance of infantry, particularly archers, in determining the outcome of battles. The longbow became a key weapon for the English army.
• Gunpowder and Artillery: The war also introduced the use of gunpowder weapons, including cannons and handguns, which gradually replaced traditional siege techniques and armored knights.
• Professional Armies: The reliance on professional soldiers over feudal levies represented a shift toward more modern forms of warfare. Armies became more specialized, with dedicated archers and artillery units.