1. Disputed Claim to the French Throne:
- Edward III of England claimed the French throne through his mother, Isabella, who was the daughter of Philip IV of France.
- According to the Salic law, which was customary in France, women were excluded from the succession. Philip VI of France, a cousin of Edward III, ascended the throne after the death of Charles IV.
2. Territorial Disputes:
- England had extensive landholdings in France, including the Duchy of Aquitaine. There were frequent disputes over the control and administration of these territories.
3. Economic Rivalry:
- Both England and France were expanding their economies and competing for trade routes and markets, particularly in the wool industry.
4. Alliances and Enmities:
- England formed alliances with Flanders and some French nobles who were dissatisfied with the rule of Philip VI. France, on the other hand, sought alliances with Scotland, Castile, and the papacy.
5. Dynastic Prestige and Power:
- Both England and France were powerful and ambitious kingdoms, seeking to increase their influence and prestige in Europe.
6. Chivalric Ideals:
- The period saw the rise of chivalry and tournaments. The Hundred Years' War provided an opportunity for knights and nobles to display their martial prowess and gain glory.
In summary, the Hundred Years' War was primarily driven by a combination of territorial disputes, dynastic rivalries, and the desire for power and prestige between England and France.