Consequences and Effects of the Hundred Years' War
The conflict had many consequences, both immediate and long-lasting. Besides the obviousdeathand destruction that many of the battles visited upon soldiers and civilians alike, the war made England virtually bankrupt and left the victorious French Crown in total control of all of France except Calais. Kings would come and go but for many of them, one significant measure of the success of their reign was their performance in the Hundred Years’ War. Divisions were created within the nobilities of both countries which had repercussions for who became the next ruling monarch.Tradewas badly affected and peasants were incessantly taxed, which caused several major rebellions, but there were more positive developments such as the creation of more competent and regularised tax officesand the trend towards more professional diplomacy in international relations.The war also produced enduring and iconic national heroes, notablyHenry V of England(r. 1413-1422 CE)andJoan of Arc(1412-1431 CE) in France.
Finally, such a long conflict against a clearly identifiable enemy resulted in both participants forging a much greater sense of nationhood. Even today, arivalry still continues between these two neighbouring countries, now, fortunately, largely expressed within the confines of international sporting events.Continue readingfrom Ancient History Encyclopedia
