The Hundred Years’ War was a protracted conflict spanning over a century between England and France, with significant implications for the Kingdom of Castile. It was not a continuous war but rather a series of conflicts interspersed with periods of truce and peace negotiations.
The origins of the Hundred Years’ War can be traced back to territorial disputes, succession crises, and conflicting claims to the French throne. These tensions escalated into open warfare in 1337 when Edward III of England asserted his right to the French crown, challenging the legitimacy of the reigning French monarch, Philip VI.
The Hundred Years’ War
Castile became involved in the Hundred Years’ War primarily through strategic alliances and dynastic marriages. The Castilian monarchs sought to leverage their support for either England or France to advance their own interests and expand their influence in the region.
One of the most significant engagements involving Castile was the Battle of Nájera in 1367, where the forces of Edward, the Black Prince, with Castilian support, defeated the French and their allies. However, this victory did not bring about a decisive end to the war, and conflict continued to rage on.
The Hundred Years’ War had profound consequences for Castile, shaping its foreign policy, economy, and internal dynamics. The kingdom became embroiled in the complex web of alliances and rivalries that characterized medieval European politics, often finding itself caught between competing powers.
The conflict had significant economic consequences for Castile, redirecting resources to military efforts and defense spending. Trade routes faced disruptions, and agricultural output declined, resulting in widespread economic distress among Castilian citizens.
Moreover, the Hundred Years’ War contributed to the decline of feudalism and the rise of centralized monarchies in Europe, including Castile. The need for centralized authority and professional armies became increasingly apparent in the face of the evolving nature of warfare.
The Hundred Years’ War concluded in 1453 with the French securing victory and regaining substantial territories from the English. Castile, alongside other European nations, faced the necessity of adjusting to the transformed geopolitical landscape following the war’s conclusion.