The Hundred Years’ War

Edward III became king of England in 1327. He believed he also had a claim to the French throne, so, in 1337, he declared war on France. War between England and France lasted on and off until 1453.

Edward’s forces won a sea battle at Sluys and two great land victories at Crecy and Poitiers, but were driven back by the French king, Charles V, and his commander Bertrand du Guesclin. In 1360, Edward gave up his claim to the French throne in return for land.

Years of truce followed until England’s King Henry V renewed his claim to the throne in 1414. He led his troops to France where, in 1415, they defeated a much larger French army at Agincourt. To make peace, Henry married the French king’s daughter, but he died in 1422 before his baby son could become king of France. Fighting continued as the French were inspired by a peasant girl named Joan of Arc (1412-31), who claimed to hear voices from God. She fought until she was captured and burned her as a witch. Under the weak rule of Henry VI, the English lost Paris, Rouen and, by 1453, all French lands except Calais.