Hundred Years' War

In this episode, we trace the Hundred Years’ War, the long and shifting conflict between England and France from 1337 to 1453, beginning with rival claims to the French throne and feudal tensions over territory. We explore the war’s major phases, from Edward III’s early campaigns to Henry V’s victories and the dramatic rise of Joan of Arc, while examining how the Black Death, changing battlefield tactics, English longbowmen, and the growing use of artillery transformed medieval warfare. Along the way, we look at how this struggle reshaped Western Europe by strengthening royal authority, fueling national identity, and marking a turning point in the relationship between England and France.