Term

The Hundred Years War

An intermittent 14th–15th century struggle between England and France over disputes including the French royal succession.

Definition

Intermittent struggle between England and France in the 14th–15th century over a series of disputes, including the question of the legitimate succession to the French crown. The struggle involved several generations of English and French claimants to the crown and occupied a period of more than 100 years. By convention the war is said to have started on May 24, 1337, with the confiscation of the English-held duchy of Guyenne by French King Philip VI.

Sources

  1. 1.“Hundred Years' War.” Encyclopaedia BritannicaLinkOriginal citation: "Hundred Years' War." Encyclopaedia Britannica. March 18, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/event/Hundred-Years-War.

Last revised August 14, 2026