100 Years War (1337-1453)

- Struggle between the monarchs and nobles of England and France.

- War broke out when Edward III of England claimed the French throne and invaded France.

- Frequent truces and winter breaks in warfare.

- New weapons: the longbow & arrow and gunpowder (cannons) made armour (knights) obsolete.Joan of Arc

- 17-year-old peasant girl who claimed that heavenly voices told her to lead the French forces.

- King Charles VII (of France) gave her control of his armies.

- Forced the English to retreat.

- 1429 Captured and sold to England.

- Tried for heresy and burned at the stake in 1431.

- Joan of Arc became a 'Martyr', her death inspired the French to drive the English from their lands.Feudal system Parliament

- The war gave rise to more power for the parliament in both England and France.

- Kings needed more money to pay for the war.

- Additional rights and freedoms were exchanged for new taxes.

- Monarchs no longer had absolute power, they had to obey laws and learn to deal with parliament.*** Kings in England first lost power over their subjects when the Magna Carta was passed in 1214. The Magna Carta is similar to Canada's Charter of Rights where all citizens are guaranteed basic rights.