Overview (1415–1453)
- The later part of the Hundred Years’ War was one of the most dramatic periods in medieval Europe.
- It started with the English winning big victories, like the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, and even getting a treaty that said their king could inherit the French throne.
- Things changed when the French rallied, especially with Joan of Arc’s leadership in the 1420s.
- France’s kings got stronger and reorganized their armies, while England struggled with weak leadership and money problems.
- By 1453, France had won back almost all its land, and England was left with only Calais.
Reasons for the Re-emergence of War
- Henry V wanted to make England powerful again and prove himself as a strong king.
- France was weak at the time because its nobles were divided into two rival groups, which made it easier for England to attack.
- Controlling French land meant more money and resources for England.
- Knights and nobles on both sides also wanted glory and rewards from fighting.
Aquitaine
- Aquitaine was a rich region known for its wine and trade, and it had been argued over since the start of the war.
- Controlling Aquitaine gave England a steady flow of money and an important base to launch attacks into France.
- For France, kicking the English out of Aquitaine was key to restoring national pride.
- When France finally won Aquitaine back in 1453, it was the final blow that ended the war.
The Outcome
- France got stronger under King Charles VII, who created a permanent army and used new weapons like gunpowder cannons.
- Joan of Arc gave the French people confidence and inspired them to keep fighting, especially at the Siege of Orléans in 1429.
- England ran out of money, faced political fights at home, and had weak leadership under Henry VI.
- New technology, especially artillery, gave the French a big advantage in battles and sieges.
Impact in England and France
- In England, losing the war made people lose faith in Henry VI, which led to civil war (the Wars of the Roses).
- England turned inward and focused on its own politics instead of trying to control land in France.
- In France, victory made the king much stronger, as he now had more control over taxes and the army.
- The war also gave France a stronger sense of being one nation, united against England.
Common Mistake
- Retelling battles (Agincourt, Orléans, Castillon) without analyzing why they mattered.
- Only looking at English failures OR French successes instead of weighing both.
- Forgetting to mention key events (e.g., Treaty of Troyes 1420, Joan of Arc at Orléans 1429, Battle of Castillon 1453).
Exam technique
- Use sections like “English weaknesses,” “French strengths,” “new military technology” rather than writing a year-by-year account.
- Always consider both sides to show analytical depth.
- Link cause and effect. Explain how each event (e.g., Joan of Arc lifting Orléans) changed morale, leadership, or the course of the war.
Self review
- Assess the reasons for the English defeats in the Hundred Years’ War between 1415 and 1453.
- To what extent did the Hundred Years’ War strengthen the French monarchy?
- Examine the impact of the Hundred Years’ War (1415–1453) on England.
