Hundred Years War

1. Hundred Years' War

The Hundred Years' War was a series of conflicts fought between the kingdoms of England and France, and their various allies, intermittently from 1337 to 1453. While often described as a single, continuous conflict, it was in reality a series of wars, with truces and periods of peace between major campaigns. The war was profoundly impactful, not only reshaping the political landscape of Europe but also contributing to the rise of national identities in both England and France. It saw significant developments in Military tactics and weaponry, and its consequences resonated for centuries.

Background and Causes

The roots of the Hundred Years' War are complex, stemming from a combination of dynastic claims, economic rivalries, and political tensions.

• Dynastic Dispute:* The primary catalyst was the English claim to the French throne. In 1328, Charles IV of France died without a male heir. King Edward III of England, whose mother Isabella was the sister of Charles IV, asserted his right to the French crown. The French nobility, however, invoked the Salic Law – a Frankish legal code prohibiting inheritance through the female line – and instead crowned Philip VI of Valois, a cousin of Charles IV. This rejection of Edward III's claim was a direct affront to English prestige and ambition, and formed the foundational grievance. Understanding this initial claim is crucial; it wasn't simply about territory, but about the legitimacy of rule. This is analogous to understanding Market Sentiment in financial trading; perceived legitimacy drives action.

• Economic Rivalries:* Flanders, a wealthy region known for its wool trade, was a key economic factor. Flanders was nominally a French fief, but relied heavily on English wool. English control over wool exports gave them significant leverage, and conflicts over trade regulations and taxation frequently arose. This mirrors the importance of Supply and Demand in economics; disrupting a key supply chain (wool) significantly impacted the economic power balance. The English sought to protect their wool trade, while the French aimed to exert greater control over Flanders.

• Political Tensions:* The English kings held significant territories in France, remnants of the Angevin Empire, including Aquitaine (Gascony). These holdings were a source of constant friction, as the French monarchs sought to reassert their authority over them. The English, in turn, were determined to maintain their continental possessions. These territories created a constant state of geopolitical tension, comparable to understanding Risk Management in investing - identifying and managing potential losses. The French saw these English holdings as a threat to their sovereignty.

Early Stages (1337–1360)

The war began in 1337 when Philip VI of France confiscated Aquitaine from Edward III. The initial phase of the war saw a series of English victories, largely due to superior military tactics and weaponry.

• Naval Dominance:* The English, under Edward III, established naval dominance in the English Channel, demonstrated in the Battle of Sluys (1340). This control of the seas allowed them to effectively transport troops and supplies to the continent and disrupt French trade. This is akin to a Trend Following strategy in trading, identifying and capitalizing on a clear directional movement (English naval superiority).

• Battle of Crécy (1346):* A landmark battle, Crécy showcased the effectiveness of the English longbow against the French knights. The longbowmen, protected by dismounted knights and men-at-arms, decimated the French cavalry charges. This victory highlighted the changing nature of warfare, emphasizing ranged weapons over traditional heavy cavalry. Analyzing the battle formations reveals a strategic use of Support and Resistance levels, with the English establishing a strong defensive position.

• Siege of Calais (1346–1347):* Following Crécy, Edward III besieged and captured the strategically important port city of Calais, which remained in English hands for over two centuries. Calais provided a vital base for English operations in France. This is a classic example of Breakout Strategy – securing a key position to launch further offensives.

• Battle of Poitiers (1356):* Another decisive English victory, Poitiers saw the capture of King John II of France. The Black Prince, Edward III’s son, led the English forces to victory, again demonstrating the superiority of English tactics and weaponry. The capture of a monarch had significant political repercussions. This situation illustrates the concept of Volatility - a sudden, impactful event significantly alters the landscape.

• Treaty of Brétigny (1360):* The Treaty of Brétigny temporarily ended the first phase of the war. England gained significant territorial concessions, including Aquitaine, Calais, and Ponthieu, in exchange for renouncing its claim to the French throne. However, this peace proved fragile. The treaty demonstrates a Reversal Pattern - a temporary shift in momentum.

The French Resurgence (1369–1415)

Under the leadership of Charles V, France gradually regained lost ground. Charles V adopted a strategy of avoiding large-scale battles and instead focusing on attrition warfare, utilizing guerrilla tactics and exploiting English weaknesses.

• Bertrand du Guesclin:* The appointment of Bertrand du Guesclin as Constable of France proved crucial. Du Guesclin was a brilliant military commander who skillfully employed Fabian tactics – avoiding decisive battles and harassing the English forces. He understood the importance of Position Sizing - minimizing risk while maximizing potential gains.

• Reconquest of Territories:* Du Guesclin and his successors gradually reconquered much of the territory lost to England, utilizing a combination of military force and diplomacy. They focused on weakening English control over Aquitaine. This showcases a Long-Term Investment strategy - consistent, gradual gains over time.

• English Internal Problems:* England faced internal problems, including the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 and the deposition of Richard II in 1399. These domestic issues diverted English attention and resources from the war effort. This mirrors the impact of Economic Indicators on market behavior - internal factors can significantly influence performance.

The Lancastrian War (1415–1429)

The war entered a new phase with the accession of Henry V of England. Henry V, a skilled military leader, renewed the English claim to the French throne and launched a successful invasion of France.

• Battle of Agincourt (1415):* A stunning English victory, Agincourt was another demonstration of the effectiveness of the English longbow against the French knights. The battle was fought on muddy terrain, which hampered the French cavalry charges. This is a prime example of understanding Chart Patterns - identifying advantageous conditions (muddy terrain) to exploit weaknesses.

• Treaty of Troyes (1420):* The Treaty of Troyes recognized Henry V as heir to the French throne and stipulated that he would marry Catherine of Valois, the daughter of Charles VI of France. This treaty effectively disinherited the Dauphin Charles (the future Charles VII). The treaty can be seen as a False Breakout - an initial strong move that ultimately fails.

• English Control of Northern France:* Henry V conquered much of northern France, including Normandy. English control over this region was strengthened by the establishment of efficient administrative structures. This demonstrates the importance of Diversification - securing multiple assets (territories) to reduce risk.

• The Siege of Orléans (1428–1429):* The siege of Orléans marked a turning point in the war. The city was strategically important, controlling access to southern France. The French, under the leadership of Joan of Arc, successfully lifted the siege. This illustrates a Momentum Indicator – a key event (lifting the siege) signaling a shift in direction.

Joan of Arc and the French Victory (1429–1453)

Joan of Arc, a peasant girl who claimed to be guided by divine visions, inspired the French to resist the English. Her leadership and the renewed French spirit led to a series of victories that ultimately turned the tide of the war.

• Joan of Arc's Campaigns:* Joan of Arc led French forces to victory at the Siege of Orléans, the Battle of Patay, and other engagements. Her presence galvanized the French army and inspired a sense of national unity. She embodies a Catalyst Event – a sudden, transformative force.

• Coronation of Charles VII:* Joan of Arc played a crucial role in the coronation of Charles VII at Reims Cathedral in 1429, legitimizing his claim to the French throne. This was a significant symbolic and political victory for France. This is analogous to achieving a Higher High in trading - confirming a new upward trend.

• Capture and Execution of Joan of Arc (1431):* Joan of Arc was captured by Burgundian forces (allies of the English) and sold to the English. She was tried for heresy and burned at the stake in 1431. Her execution, however, only served to further inspire French resistance. This represents a Dead Cat Bounce - a temporary recovery following a significant decline.

• French Reconquest:* Following Joan of Arc's death, Charles VII continued to reclaim French territories, aided by the development of a professional army and improved artillery. The French gradually pushed the English out of France. This is a long-term Accumulation Phase – building strength for a future advance.

• Battle of Castillon (1453):* The Battle of Castillon, fought in 1453, marked the end of the war. The French, utilizing advanced artillery, decisively defeated the English. This is often referred to as a Climactic Volume event - a final, definitive push.

• The End of English Possessions:* By 1453, the English had lost all their major possessions in France, except for Calais, which remained in English hands until 1558. The war concluded with France firmly established as a unified nation-state.

Consequences and Legacy

The Hundred Years' War had profound and lasting consequences for both England and France.

• Rise of National Identities:* The war fostered a sense of national identity in both England and France. The conflicts helped to solidify the boundaries of these nations and promote a shared sense of culture and language.

• Military Developments:* The war saw significant developments in military tactics and weaponry. The longbow, artillery, and new forms of fortification played a crucial role in shaping the course of the war.

• Political Changes:* The war led to political changes in both countries. In France, the monarchy was strengthened, while in England, the power of Parliament increased.

• Economic Impact:* The war had a significant economic impact, disrupting trade and causing widespread devastation.

• Social Changes:* The war led to social changes, including the decline of feudalism and the rise of a more professional army. It also spurred advancements in Fibonacci retracement analysis understanding of market corrections. The war’s impact on societal structures is comparable to understanding Elliott Wave Theory and its cyclical patterns.

War of the Roses English history French history Medieval warfare Joan of Arc Military history Longbow Siege warfare Charles V of France Henry V of England

Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) Relative Strength Index (RSI) Bollinger Bands Ichimoku Cloud Parabolic SAR Average True Range (ATR) Stochastic Oscillator Williams %R On Balance Volume (OBV) Chaikin Money Flow Fibonacci Retracement Elliott Wave Theory Candlestick Patterns Support and Resistance Levels Trend Lines Market Sentiment Analysis Volatility Indicators Volume Analysis Gap Analysis Breakout Strategies Reversal Patterns Position Sizing Risk Management Long-Term Investment Momentum Indicators Catalyst Events Dead Cat Bounce Accumulation Phase Climactic Volume

Start Trading Now

Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)

Join Our Community

Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners