There were many wars in the Middle Ages. One war, however, would be remembered by the world as the bloodiest of the Middle Ages. France and England have never enjoyed any kind of good relations. The causes of wars have been marriage, territory and kingship as well as political views. England was left in chaos as a result of the French loss. The patience and leadership of the French helped to strengthen England’s sense of patriotism. The French were the beneficiaries, while the English suffered badly. They also had to bear the usual wartime costs. France’s unexpectedly subservient nobles, which had been a problem throughout France’s bloody history, were defeated by the French. It brought together the entire country. It brought together all Frenchmen under one flag. It also increased the French’s morale, which was crucial in winning this pivotal war. Everyone was afraid of the bubonic disease, which began in 1347. The Hundred Years War was fought ten years earlier. Twelve ships from the Black Sea returned to Sicily with a deadly disease. A terrible tragedy occurred that resulted in the death of 50 million people from the 85 million world population. Human heroes are those who look to one another for leadership when there is conflict. Joan of Arcadia (a prominent example) is an outstanding example. Joan was born in the late 1400’s. However, she played an integral role in the Siege of Orleans. This is why she was nicknamed “The Maid Of Orleans”. All this she did was to fight the English with the French army. And all this at only 18 years of age. Both sides suffered many losses in the Hundred Years War, but France won it at the end.
France and England have never had a good relationship and are yet to establish one. France’s economy was deteriorating while England was growing. Both the English and French fought for land that was theirs. They were involved in many wars. Territory was gained by each other’s individual conquests. Fiefs were the name given to land plots. Sometimes they would be equal in size, sometimes even being half of the border for England and France. This caused many clashes between the English and French. William the Conqueror1 was an earlier man who captured many French fiefs and made them his own. This reputation was enhanced when he won the Battle of Hastings. This feat is remarkable in itself. Williams’s reputation was so strong that England declared him worthy of the title. They made William King and he got to work. Soon after William became king, Morcar Edwin (or Earl) and Morcar Edwin (or Morcar Edwin), left the royal courts and started a rebellion. William, his family and friends were forced to leave for Mael Coluim III (Malcolm), King of Scots. William’s leadership however saw the English army end the rebellion completely. William was informed that Denmark, a neighboring country, could pose a threat to the rebel army a few days later. William traveled to Denmark to resolve the issue. The conflict over the channel was a key issue leading up to World War II. It was believed that it belonged to the French, while it belonged to the English. William won the right to fight France and dubbed it the English Channel. William made peace after that. It lasted for over a century. Years of confusion followed William’s death. England was almost at the end of Williams’ peace. Henry II became the leader of England and tried to restore unity. In those days, royal families were allowed to marry in order to attain power or maintain good relations. Henry II married an English aristocrat. He also brought more land under the England’s control. This would happen for many more years. Unexpectedly, Philip the Fair, the French king, died. One problem that’s very common is the death of a king/queen without any heirs. Philip the Fair was one example. Edward III, the English monarch, was the only one who could inherit the throne. France was left in an extremely difficult situation by England, who hated England and Edward III, who ruled over England. While the French took steps to protect Edward III’s reign, but the French didn’t respect Edward III’s right to kingship. Edward III felt deceived. The army was ordered to abandon the French and bring some sense back. However, he was particularly concerned by the alliance between France and Scotland. The strong alliance between the French-Scottish alliance was very important. They both gave much to each other in times of war and mass chaos. The English and Scottish then fought a bloody war. The Hundred Years War was thus born.
The fief at Aquitaine, which was one of the most important places in the prewar period, was an incredible place. This is one example of a captured fief in multiple English King Conquests. England insisted that the land belonged to them by conquest. They had already captured Aquitaine several times and were now content to remain neutral. However, the French refused to relinquish their control over Aquitaine and the English became furious. England wanted total control over all fiefs it had captured, but was unable to keep them. England felt like they were being cheated by the French because William the Conqueror, the French king, gave them many fiefs either as a vassal or gift. France refused to honor the gift, and said that England would have to go and get them if they want them. England did exactly the same thing, which is why the Hundred Years War arose.
The strategic significance of the English Channel was immense. The Channel was a powerful tool that could give one country an advantage over another. Because they could not face off against each other across the Channel, this was necessary. The Channel was under attack by France and England over the years. The Channel would be under the control of both France and England for many years. One of the most notable battles was that of Damme. French soldiers were preparing for an invasion. They had built over 500 ships to transport them across the Channel. The French ships were loaded with weapons, calvary, and other supplies. The French plan was no doubt to attack the English line in order to overthrow their forts on the Channel. Another boat with troops and more soldiers would arrive to unload their army while this was going on. King John heard about this and ordered the fleet of ships to defend Ghent on the banks. 700 men at arms, together with many mercenaries, were carried on the ships. The English fleet reached Ghent on May 30, 201213 to see that the French had left most of their ships unprotected, and took immediate action to destroy them. The English captured 300 ships and killed all remaining crew members. The English took 100 ships and looted them. The French army was able to escape their only way of escape and retreated to Damme. Just in time to board their last ships and sail for France, the army reached Damme. Rest of the army was taken prisoner of war. France suffered devastating losses, and France lost all hope of an invasion within three years. Phillip II had many lands lost by King John. John saw this weakness and prepared to counterattack immediately in order to get what was his. One of his most desired lands was the Duchy of Normandy. Phillip II son Louis welcomed John’s army to France. The English were surrounded by sea and had no place to hide. John’s army was forced to retreat in their boats, ending John’s hope of regaining his lands.
Fear of being conquered or allied with England and France, many countries formed alliances. France and Scotland formed alliances that proved very beneficial. It was agreed that if one country invaded another, the second country would attack the first. Edward I, the English monarch, saw a way to get more territory.
