The 100 Years War

The 100 Years War was war compiled of many battles that ranged from 1337-1453 between the French and the English. One of the causes for the war was that the English king Edward III, who claimed most of France anyway, wanted to control all of France. Another cause of the 100 Years War was an economic conflict over the French taxing northern European towns who grew wealthy due to trade.

One of the most noted leader of war during the 100 Years War was a french peasant girl named Jeanne d’ Arc (aka Joan of Arc). Joan believed that she God commanded her to drive out the English from France.1 At 16, Joan rallied the French troops and led them into battle, this battle became known as the Siege of Orleans. This is considered to be the turning point in the war.2 Another important leader during the war was Edward the III son, Edward of Woodstock. He later became known as the Black Prince. He was an exceptional military leader, and his victories over the French at the Battles of Crecy and Poitiers made him very popular during his lifetime.

Weapons that were used during the war by the English were a lot more advanced than the French’s weapons. For example the English used a longbow, with enough strength to penetrate armor, whereas the French still used old-fashioned feudal cavalry. Typical cavalry usually consisted of close ranged, one on one weaponry such as a longswords, daggers, lances, etc. Some long ranged items that were used were a crossbow, longbow, javelins, etc. The 100 Years War was fought with hand- combat with a few exceptions from technology. For example the English developed cannons during this time.

The gain in fighting the war was that France won in the end and got to keep their land. The French also gained more of a sense of unity among their country from their victory. Both France and England’s economies were in shambles due to the many battles fought during this time, taxes were raised in both countries. England gained (got to keep, rather)  the coast of Calais.3 The number of casualties during the 100 Years War is believed to be about 1,500,000-2,000,000. The bubonic plague hit during the time of the 100 Years War as well. This affected the communities by uniting France and England having civil wars because of the all the losses they endured.

Carrigan Davis

Sources:
1. “Hundred Years War,” last accessed January 8, 2013, http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/hundred-years-war.htm.
2. “The Hundred Years’ War,” last modified January 2, 2012, http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/Hundred_Years.html.
3. “The Hundred Years’ War,” last modified January 2, 2012, http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/Hundred_Years.html.