14th-15th Centuries (1300s-1400s) Flashcards
The Hundred Years' War and provincial peripheries
What was the Black Death, and what was its significance in France? (1347-1351)
The Black Death was a devastating plague that struck Europe between 1347-1351. In France, it killed nearly a third of the population, leading to severe labor shortages, economic disruption, and social upheaval, weakening the feudal system.
What was the Edwardian, first phase of the Hundred Years’ War and its significance to France? (1337-1360)
The Edwardian phase of the Hundred Years’ War saw significant English victories, including the Battles of Crécy and Poitiers, leading to temporary English dominance in France.
What was the Treaty of Brétigny and why was it significant? (1360)
The Treaty of Brétigny ended the first phase of the Hundred Years’ War, granting England significant territories in France and a large ransom for the release of King John II of France. It temporarily halted hostilities but ultimately failed to bring lasting peace.
What was the Avignon Papacy and what is its significance? (1309-1377)
The Avignon Papacy was the period during which seven successive popes resided in Avignon, France, rather than Rome. It contributed to the later Great Schism, and increasing French influence over the Church.
Who was Christine de Pizan, and why is she significant? (c.1364-1430)
Christine de Pizan was a French author and proto-feminist known for her works The Book of the City of Ladies (Le Livre de la Cité des Dames) and The Treasure of the City of Ladies (Le trésor de la cité des dames).
What is The Book of the City of Ladies and what is its significance? (1405)
A perhaps proto-feminist work, the book allegorically imagines a city where women are valued using historical and mythical examples of virtuous women.
What was the Lancastrian, third phase of the Hundred Years’ War and its significance to France? (1415-1453)
A phase in which English forces, under the Lancastrian kings, initially gained significant ground in France, including the victory at Agincourt. However eventual French resurgence, led by figures like Joan of Arc and Charles VII, turned back the tide.
What was the Battle of Agincourt and what is its significance to France? (1415)
A devastating French defeat in the Hundred Years’ War, Henry V’s outnumbered troops defeated a larger French army famously with longbows.
What was the Treaty of Troyes, and why is it significant? (1420)
- What It Was:
- An agreement between England and France during the Hundred Years’ War.
- Significance:
- It recognized Henry V of England as the heir to the French throne, disinheriting the Dauphin Charles (later Charles VII).
- Never went into effect due to Henry V’s death and the eventual French victory in the war.
What was the Siege of Orléans and why was it significant? (1428-1429)
The Siege of Orléans was a pivotal French victory, marking the turning point of the war in favor of France. Joan of Arc’s leadership lifted the siege, and revitalized French morale.
Who was Joan of Arc and why is she significant? (c.1412-1431)
She was a French peasant girl who, claiming divine guidance, led French forces to several key victories notably the Siege of Orléans in 1429. She is significant for boosting French morale, turning the tide of the war, and becoming a national heroine and a symbol of French faith and strength.
What was the Battle of Castillon and why was it significant? (1453)
The final battle of the Hundred Years’ War. The French victory, using artillery effectively, ended English territorial claims in France, marking the end of the war.
What was the Treaty of Picquigny and why was it significant? (1475)
The Treaty of Picquigny marked the official end of the Hundred Years’ War. Edward IV of England agreed to withdraw his troops in exchange for a pension from Louis XI of France, effectively ending English claims to French territories.
What was the role of Dukes and Nobles during the Hundred Years’ War, and what does it say about feudalism? (1337-1453)
Dukes and Nobles played crucial roles as military leaders and regional power brokers. Their significant autonomy and influence illustrate the persistence of feudalism, where local lords often wielded more power than the central monarchy, contributing to decentralization.
