Medieval Military History, 1328 - 1589 (Valois Dynasty) - French History, 1066-1485 (Medieval Period) - British History, France - Diplomatic Relations, Wars - General & Miscellaneous, France - Armed Forces, Great Britain - Diplomatic Relations, Europe - G

The Hundred Years War

Name: The Hundred Years War
Author: Anne Curry
ISBN: 9780312091415

by Anne Curry

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Overview

Though the term 'Hundred Years War' was not coined until the 1860s, the Anglo-French conflicts of the later middle ages have long been of interest to historians. The principal issue remains Edward III's assumption of the title 'King of France' in 1340. Did he seriously intend to become king, or did he act simply to create a useful bargaining counter in the long-running struggle over the feudal status of English royal lands in France? Equally difficult to establish are the motives of his successors in preserving the claim to the throne of France - a claim which was not finally abandoned until 1801-2. This book explores the trends in historical opinion from the time of the wars to the present day. It shows how the wars of Edward III can only be understood by looking at Anglo-French relations in previous centuries, and explains why a lasting settlement to the territorial issues had already proved impossible before Edward laid claim to the French throne. It provides a straightforward narrative of English involvement in France, placing the well known military events in their diplomatic context. By focusing on the treaties of 1259, 1360 and 1420, it suggests that there was not one 'hundred year war' but rather three separate yet linked conflicts, all with significant implications for the European scene as a whole. In conclusion, Dr Curry suggests that the nature of Anglo-French hostility in the later middle ages set the two nations on a collision course for several centuries to come.