History of Wars Summary 2 - The Hundred Years' War Part 1: The Beginning of the War and the French Succession Crisis

The backdrop to the Hundred Years' War, which began in 1337, included the issue of French royal succession and the English king's territories in France. Edward III of England, being the maternal grandson of Philip IV of France, claimed he had a right to the French throne. However, French nobles rejected Edward's claim, citing the principle that the throne could not be inherited through the female line, and recognized Philip VI of the House of Valois as king. The conflict between the two monarchs wasn't just about the succession. The English king held the Duchy of Aquitaine in France, and the French king sought to strengthen his control over the region. Economic interests related to trade with Flanders also clashed. In 1337, when Philip VI confiscated Edward III's French territories, Edward officially claimed the French throne and initiated the war. This conflict, marked by several truces and renewals, continued for over a century.