What prolonged conflict between England and France lasted from 1337 to 1453?

The Hundred Years’ War was the prolonged conflict between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453. Despite its name, the intermittent struggle continued for 116 years, with long truces and pauses caused by politics, disease, and other wars.

The conflict began largely over competing claims to the French throne and disputes concerning English-held territories in France, especially Aquitaine. England won spectacular early victories at Crécy in 1346, Poitiers in 1356, and Agincourt in 1415. English armies and their allies at times controlled large parts of northern and southwestern France.

The balance shifted during the reign of Charles VII, helped by Joan of Arc’s role in lifting the siege of Orléans in 1429 and encouraging French resistance. French victories at Formigny, Castillon, and elsewhere ended English ambitions on the continent. England retained Calais until 1558, but the Battle of Castillon in 1453 is generally treated as the war’s endpoint. The conflict strengthened royal governments and helped shape distinct English and French identities.