Later Middle Ages, 1300-1450 Hundred Years’ War

France & England during the Hundred Years War

Changes in England The Magna Carta English Nobles forced King John to sign – 1215 Kings power was limited- nobles gain more power During the 100 Years’ War Parliaments consent for new taxes was required Parliament is now more powerful Protected the barons, clergy and burghers (wealthy townsmen) from arbitrary arrest or cruel punishment Granted trial by jury A feudal origin the Magna Carta guaranteed right to the ruling elites, that were extended over the centuries to all royal subjects

The Hundred Years’ War 1337 – 1453 England and France fought over English feudal claims to the French throne 116 years of war England won every important battle Except the last one

Causes Aquitaine French nobles did not want England’s king Edward III to exercise his royal claim in France. French nobles seeking to weaken French monarchy supported Edward Flemish aristocracy supported France Merchant class supported England Inherited in the 12thC by England (Capetian dynasty) Capetian dynasty died out in 1328 Econ competition over the rich Flemish wool-producing towns The war presented many opportunities for honor, advancement, and wealth for nobles

Importance Nationalism grows Both countries sensationalized the evils of the other Fostered mutual hatred Military Ended medieval tactics and chivalric rules of war England won most of the battles Used artillery for the 1st time & the longbow, The cannon meant stone castles were obsolete France won the war Joan of Arc – spurred nationalistic fervor Which unhorsed knights in armor, superior to the crossbow

What is Nationalism?

Joan of Arc 16 years old Peasant girl Heard voices urging her to help the dauphin (uncrowned king) Convinced king to allow her to accompany an army to the siege of Orleans. 10 days later England withdrew 10 days after that Charles was crowned Joan was captured by Burgundians Sold her to England Tried and executed for witchcraft and heresy Cut her hair Wore men’s clothes Claimed to hear directly from God Became one of two patron saints of France

How was Joan of Arc a pinnacle point in the war?

Consequences Death Toll was huge in contrast to medieval wars Economies in France and England both suffered because of the war. Parliament grew - Constitutional Monarchy advanced Edward III called parliament into session for money Commons separated from the Lords Commons = knights and the wealthy burgers Right to approve non-feudal levies (taxes) – financial power Gov raised taxes on wool #England Edward III called Parliament into session 37 out of the 50 years of his reign to ask for finances for the war. So many French Knights and Nobles died that it strengthened the French monarchy which leads to absolute monarchy Parliament growing in England which creates and Constitutional monarchy

What do you think were the effects of the Hundred Years War?