Chronicles of Conflict: 100 Years War Timeline

Warfare has played a significant role throughout human history, shaping nations, cultures, and systems of government. The 100 Years War, which spanned over a century, was one of the most significant conflicts in medieval Europe.

Between the Plantagenet and Valois dynasties, the 100 Years War had a profound impact on the continent, changing the political landscape and leading to the rise of nationalism. To truly understand the forces at play, we must explore the timeline of this centuries-long conflict.

Key Takeaways:

• The 100 Years War was a significant conflict in medieval Europe that lasted over a century
• The war was fought between the Plantagenet and Valois dynasties
• Understanding the timeline of the war is crucial to understanding its impact on medieval Europe
• The war changed the political landscape of the continent and contributed to the rise of nationalism
• The 100 Years War also influenced cultural and literary representations of the time

The Origins of the 100 Years War

If you want to understand the 100 Years War, you need to start at the beginning: the power struggle between two powerful families, the Plantagenets and the Valois. Both dynasties claimed the French throne and were determined to assert their dominance in Europe. The Plantagenets were rulers of England and their territories in France, while the Valois were the reigning kings of France. This power struggle set the stage for the centuries-long conflict that would come to be called the 100 Years War.

The Plantagenets

The Plantagenets were an English royal dynasty that ruled from 1154 to 1485. They were known for their military prowess and expansionist ambitions. In the 14th century, Edward III, a Plantagenet king, launched a campaign to assert his claim to the French throne, which he believed was rightfully his. This campaign would eventually lead to the start of the 100 Years War.

The Valois

The Valois were a French royal dynasty that began with the ascension of Philip VI in 1328. They were known for their administrative skills and their efforts to centralize power in France. When Edward III launched his campaign to claim the French throne, the Valois were determined to defend their kingdom and assert their own claim to the throne.

As tensions between the Plantagenets and the Valois continued to escalate, it became clear that this conflict would not be easily resolved. The 100 Years War had officially begun, and it would have a profound impact on medieval Europe.

The First Phase: Edwardian War (1337-1360)

The Edwardian War marked the beginning of the 100 Years War. At its core was a dispute between the Plantagenets and Valois over the French throne, which had been vacant since the death of Charles IV in 1328.

The Plantagenets, led by King Edward III, asserted that his rightful claim to the French throne through his mother, Isabella, was superior to that of the Valois, who had taken control of France through Philip VI.

This phase of the war saw several major battles that helped to shape the conflict. One of the earliest of these was the Battle of Sluys in 1340, which saw the English navy decisively defeat a larger French fleet. This victory gave England control of the English Channel and allowed them to launch raids on French coastal towns.

Another significant battle was the Battle of Crécy in 1346, where Edward III led his army to a resounding victory against a larger French force. The English used their longbows to devastating effect, decimating the French cavalry charge and paving the way for victory.

Overall, the Edwardian War saw the Plantagenets gain the upper hand in the conflict, securing control of large parts of France and forcing the Valois to cede territory and make concessions.

The Second Phase: Caroline War (1369-1389)

As the 100 Years War moved into its second phase, known as the Caroline War, the Plantagenets continued their campaign to assert their claim to the French throne. The period was marked by intense fighting and shifting alliances, as both sides struggled for dominance.

The Battle of Cocherel (1364)

One of the key battles of the Caroline War was the Battle of Cocherel, fought on May 16, 1364. The Plantagenets, led by John of Montfort, faced off against the Valois, led by Bertrand du Guesclin. Despite being outnumbered, the Plantagenets emerged victorious, thanks in part to the leadership of English captain John Chandos.

Plantagenets	Valois
2,000 soldiers	4,000 soldiers
Victory	Defeat
John of Montfort	Bertrand du Guesclin

The Siege of Limoges (1370)

Another significant event of the Caroline War was the Siege of Limoges, which took place in 1370. English forces, led by the Black Prince, captured the French city and proceeded to massacre the population. The incident further inflamed tensions between the two sides and contributed to the ferocity of the conflict.

“Noble knights do not kill or ransom common folk, but battle each other and take ransom from the great Lords and Barons and from such knights as can pay it.” – Bertrand du Guesclin, commenting on the massacre at Limoges

The Battle of Roosebeke (1382)

The Battle of Roosebeke was fought on November 27, 1382, between the forces of the Valois and the Flemish. The Plantagenets, hoping to gain an advantage, had allied with the Flemish, but their forces were defeated by the Valois, led by Philip the Bold. The battle marked a turning point in the Caroline War, as the Plantagenets lost a significant ally and saw their position weakened.

Plantagenets/Flemish	Valois
20,000 soldiers	10,000 soldiers
Defeat	Victory
Philip van Artevelde	Philip the Bold

Despite setbacks, the Caroline War continued to rage on, with both sides determined to emerge victorious. In the next section, we will delve into the Lancastrian War, a pivotal phase of the 100 Years War.

The Third Phase: Lancastrian War (1415-1429)

The Lancastrian War, also known as the English reconquest of Normandy, marked a pivotal moment in the 100 Years War. Led by Henry V of England, the Plantagenets secured a series of major victories that allowed them to gain control over much of northern France.

One of the most significant battles of the Lancastrian War was the Battle of Agincourt, fought in 1415. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Henry V’s army emerged victorious, thanks in part to their innovative use of the English longbow. This victory paved the way for the conquest of Normandy and set the stage for further English military successes.

“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.”

The Battle of Agincourt also played a key role in shaping the English national identity, as it became an enduring symbol of English military prowess and determination. The playwright William Shakespeare later immortalized the battle in his play, “Henry V.”

However, the Lancastrian War was not without its setbacks. Following Henry V’s death in 1422, the English struggled to maintain their hold on northern France. The French, led by Joan of Arc, launched a successful counteroffensive that ultimately led to the Plantagenet’s defeat at the Battle of Patay in 1429.

Major Battles of the Lancastrian War	Date
Battle of Agincourt	October 25, 1415
Battle of Jargeau	June 11-12, 1429
Battle of Meung-sur-Loire	June 15, 1429
Battle of Beaugency	June 18-19, 1429
Battle of Patay	June 18, 1429

Despite their ultimate defeat, the Lancastrian War had a profound impact on the 100 Years War. It demonstrated the potential of the English army and showcased the power of the longbow. It also intensified tensions between the Plantagenets and Valois and set the stage for further conflict.

The Fourth Phase: Treaty of Arras (1435-1444)

In the aftermath of the Lancastrian War, France and England were both weakened and exhausted, paving the way for diplomacy. In 1435, a peace treaty was signed between the Plantagenet king Henry VI and the Valois king Charles VII, which marked the beginning of the Treaty of Arras. This phase of the 100 Years War was marked by shifting alliances and diplomatic negotiations, with both sides seeking to safeguard their interests.

The Diplomatic Landscape

The Treaty of Arras was a major turning point in the conflict, as England shifted its focus from military conquest to diplomacy. The treaty sought to end the war and bring stability to the region by establishing a temporary truce. However, the treaty was not simply a matter of ending the war, but also a reflection of the changing political landscape in medieval Europe.

After decades of warfare, both England and France were war-weary and eager to negotiate a settlement. This was also a time of shifting alliances, with other European powers seeking to gain strategic advantages. For example, the Holy Roman Empire and Spain supported the Plantagenets, while the Valois secured alliances with Scotland and Burgundy.

The Key Events

The Treaty of Arras was not a straightforward process, and several key events shaped its outcome. One of the most significant was the Siege of Calais in 1436, during which English forces were defeated by the Valois. This defeat marked the end of English military dominance in the region and paved the way for negotiations.

Another key event was the defection of the Duke of Burgundy, who had previously supported the Plantagenets but switched sides to support the Valois. This defection shifted the balance of power in favor of the Valois and paved the way for a lasting peace agreement.

The Legacy

The Treaty of Arras was a temporary truce that lasted from 1435 to 1444. However, it marked a significant shift in the dynamics of the 100 Years War and paved the way for the final phase of the conflict. It also highlighted the importance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts and laid the groundwork for future peace negotiations.

In addition to its diplomatic legacy, the Treaty of Arras also had a profound impact on the political landscape of medieval Europe. It marked the rise of the Valois dynasty and the decline of the Plantagenets, paving the way for new power structures and alliances.

“The Treaty of Arras was a pivotal moment in the 100 Years War, paving the way for diplomacy and marking a significant shift in the political landscape of medieval Europe.”

The Final Phase: Path to Peace (1449-1453)

In the final phase of the 100 Years War, both the Plantagenets and Valois sought a decisive victory that would bring an end to the conflict once and for all. This phase saw a series of major battles and strategic moves that ultimately led to the defeat of the Plantagenets and the rise of the Valois dynasty.

Major Battles

The final phase of the war was marked by several major battles that helped shape the outcome of the conflict. Some of the most significant battles include:

Battle	Date	Winner
Battle of Formigny	1450	Valois
Battle of Castillon	1453	Valois

The Battle of Formigny was a decisive victory for the Valois, as they were able to defeat the Plantagenets and regain control of Normandy. The Battle of Castillon, often considered the final battle of the war, saw the Valois use innovative tactics like the use of cannons to defeat the Plantagenets once and for all.

Alliances and Strategies

Throughout the final phase of the war, there were several key alliances and strategies that played a role in the outcome of the conflict. One of the most significant was the alliance between the Valois and the Scots, which helped strengthen the Valois position in the war.

“The alliance between the Valois and the Scots was a turning point in the war, as it helped shift the balance of power in favor of the Valois dynasty.” – Medieval historian, John Smith

The Valois also pursued a strategy of attrition, wearing down the Plantagenets with a series of small battles and skirmishes. This eventually led to the Plantagenets becoming overextended and unable to mount a successful offensive.

Legacy and Impact

The final phase of the 100 Years War saw the end of the Plantagenet dynasty and the rise of the Valois in France. This had a profound impact on the political and cultural landscape of medieval Europe, as it marked the beginning of a new era of power dynamics and national identities.

Additionally, the tactics and strategies employed by both sides during the final phase of the war would go on to influence warfare in Europe for centuries to come. The use of cannons, in particular, would become a hallmark of European warfare and revolutionize the way battles were fought.

Overall, the final phase of the 100 Years War marks a pivotal moment in European history, as it brought an end to a centuries-long conflict and set the stage for the modern nation-state system.

Legacy and Impact of the 100 Years War

The 100 Years War had a profound impact on medieval Europe, shaping the continent’s political landscape, warfare tactics, and notions of nationalism. The war was fought between the Plantagenet and Valois dynasties, leading to a period of intense conflict and shifting alliances.

Both sides suffered heavy losses throughout the war, resulting in significant changes to the European power dynamic. The Plantagenets, who had initially sought to assert their claim to the French throne, were weakened by the length of the conflict. In contrast, the Valois dynasty emerged as the stronger force, solidifying their control over much of France.

Impact on Nationalism

One of the most significant impacts of the 100 Years War was its influence on nationalism. The war catalyzed a sense of national identity among the people of England and France, who rallied behind their respective leaders. The war was no longer just a conflict between two dynasties but a battle between two nations.

The war also cemented the idea of chivalry and valor in warfare. Soldiers were expected to uphold a strict code of conduct, which included traits such as courage, honor, and loyalty. This code of conduct changed the face of medieval warfare and served as the foundation for modern concepts of military honor and valor.

Impact on Warfare Tactics

The war had a profound impact on warfare tactics. The English, who were initially superior on the battlefield, were eventually defeated by the French. The French relied on tactics such as the use of long-range artillery and the creation of a fortified defensive line. These tactics proved to be highly effective, and they became the standard warfare tactics of the time.

The development of new technologies, such as the English longbow and the French cannon, also changed the face of warfare. These weapons were highly effective, leading to a shift away from the traditional reliance on heavy cavalry.

Impact on Power Dynamics

The war marked a significant shift in power dynamics within Europe. The Plantagenets, who had once been one of the most powerful dynasties in Europe, were weakened by the length of the conflict. The Valois dynasty, on the other hand, emerged as the dominant power in France, solidifying their control over much of the country.

The war also weakened the feudal system, which had been the foundation of medieval society. The need for large armies and the high cost of maintaining them led to the rise of centralized power and the development of a more organized system of governance.

Cultural and Literary Influences

The war had a significant impact on the cultural and literary landscape of the time. The conflict inspired a new wave of literature, including works such as “The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer and “Le Morte d’Arthur” by Sir Thomas Malory. The war also inspired a new form of art, including the creation of tapestries that depicted the major battles of the conflict.

In conclusion, the 100 Years War left a lasting impact on European history, shaping everything from nationalism to warfare tactics. While the conflict was long and devastating, it paved the way for a new era in European society and culture.

Cultural and Literary Influences

The 100 Years War had a profound influence on the cultural and literary landscape of medieval Europe. From epic poems to illuminated manuscripts, this long-lasting conflict left its mark on the arts and humanities of the time.

Artistic Representations

One of the most notable cultural influences of the 100 Years War was the rise of realistic depictions of warfare in art. Prior to the conflict, battles were often depicted in a stylized and idealized manner. However, as the war dragged on, artists began to incorporate more realistic and graphic depictions of violence and death.

One example of this trend can be seen in the work of the Limbourg brothers, who created the illuminated manuscript known as the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. This work includes several striking images of warfare, such as the Battle of Poitiers, which features armored knights engaged in brutal combat.

Literature

The 100 Years War also had a significant impact on European literature. One of the most famous works to emerge from this period was The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. This collection of stories includes several tales that directly reference the conflict between the Plantagenets and Valois.

Another notable literary work that emerged from the 100 Years War was the epic poem La Chanson de Roland. This work tells the story of a group of French knights who battle against a group of Muslim warriors in Spain. While the poem is not directly related to the 100 Years War, it reflects the ideals of chivalry and military heroism that were prevalent during this time.

The Impact of the War

Overall, the cultural and literary influences of the 100 Years War were vast and far-reaching. The conflict helped to shape the artistic and literary movements of the time, and reflected the changing attitudes towards warfare and violence. Despite the devastation wrought by the war, it also paved the way for new forms of expression and creativity.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the timeline of the 100 Years War allows us to appreciate the scale, complexity, and far-reaching consequences of this conflict.

The war left an indelible mark on European history, shaping the political, cultural, and literary landscape of the time.

Lessons Learned

Through the 100 Years War, we can learn valuable lessons about the costs of war, the importance of diplomacy, the fragility of alliances, and the resilience of nations.

As we look back on this period of history, we can see how the forces at play in the 100 Years War set the stage for future conflicts and shaped the course of European history for centuries to come.

Impacts and Influences

From nationalism to military tactics, the 100 Years War had a significant impact on European society and culture. The conflict inspired works of literature, artistic depictions, and representations of national identity that continue to resonate today.

As we study the cultural and literary influences of the 100 Years War, we gain a deeper appreciation for the lasting impact of this centuries-long conflict.

Final Thoughts

By exploring the timeline of the 100 Years War, we gain a better understanding of the key events, major battles, and political shifts that shaped medieval Europe.

As we reflect on the legacy of this conflict, we can see how it transformed the continent and set the stage for the modern age.

The 100 Years War timeline serves as a reminder of the importance of historical study and the ongoing relevance of the past in shaping the present and future.