1.11.6

The History of Medieval England and France 1

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The History of Medieval England and France

Discover the intent and often tumultuous relationship between medieval England and France.

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Introduction

  • In medieval times, the relationship between England and France was marked by rivalry and warfare.
  • Their conflicts, particularly the famous Hundred Years’ War, greatly influenced the history and development of both nations.
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Early Conflicts & Norman Influence

  • In 1066, William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy (a region in France), invaded England and became its king.
    • After the conquest, English kings also held lands in France, leading to conflicts over these territories.
  • The fact that English kings were also vassals to the French king for their French lands created a lot of tension and frequent clashes.
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The Plantagenet Empire

  • Henry II, who became King of England in 1154, married Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in Europe.
  • This marriage added vast French lands to Henry’s control, creating a large empire that spanned both England and parts of France.
    • This empire often clashed with the French crown as both sides sought to expand their territories.
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The Hundred Years’ War

  • The Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) began when Edward III of England claimed the French throne, challenging the rule of the Valois dynasty.
    • Edward’s claim was based on his mother, Isabella of France, but the French rejected it, choosing Philip VI as their king instead.
  • The early phase of the war saw significant English successes.
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The Battle of Crecy

  • The Battle of Crecy in 1346 was famous for English longbowmen decimating the French knights, showcasing the effectiveness of the English invention of the longbow.
  • The Siege of Calais in 1347 saw a lengthy siege with the English eventually capturing the important area of Calais, which remained under English control for over 200 years.
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Edward, the Black Prince

  • Edward, the Black Prince, led the English to another major victory, capturing the French King John II at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356.
  • During the 1340s, both England and France were devastated by the Black Death.
    • This slowed the war as both countries dealt with massive population losses.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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