## TL;DR

The Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) was a series of conflicts between England and France over the French throne. English victories (Crecy 1346, Poitiers 1356, Agincourt 1415) gave way to French revival under Joan of Arc (1429). Ended with French victory. Accelerated the decline of feudalism and rise of national identity.

## Core Explanation

English longbow: decisive at Crecy and Agincourt — volley fire decimated French knights. Joan of Arc: teenage peasant girl who claimed divine guidance, lifted siege of Orleans (1429), captured and burned at stake (1431, age 19) — canonized 1920. Gunpowder weapons emerged during this war, beginning the end of castles and knights.

## Further Reading

- [The Hundred Years War: The English in France (Desmond Seward)](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/307409/the-hundred-years-war-by-desmond-seward/)