How did Burgundian politics influence the Hundred Years War?

Burgundian politics significantly influenced the Hundred Years War by shifting alliances and providing military support to England.

The Duchy of Burgundy, a powerful state in the 14th and 15th centuries, played a pivotal role in the Hundred Years War, a series of conflicts waged from 1337 to 1453 between the Kingdoms of England and France. The Burgundians initially supported the French, but their allegiance shifted due to political and familial disputes, significantly impacting the course of the war.

The Burgundians were initially vassals of the French crown, but their loyalty began to waver following the assassination of Duke John the Fearless in 1419. The Duke's son, Philip the Good, blamed the Dauphin (the future Charles VII of France) for his father's death and allied with the English in retaliation. This alliance was formalised in the Treaty of Troyes in 1420, which recognised Henry V of England as the heir to the French throne, disinheriting the Dauphin. This was a significant turning point in the war, as it provided the English with substantial military support and legitimised their claim to the French throne.

The Burgundians also played a crucial role in the capture and subsequent trial of Joan of Arc. In 1430, Joan was captured by the Burgundians during the siege of Compiègne and sold to the English, who viewed her as a significant threat. Her trial and execution in 1431 were politically motivated, aiming to undermine the legitimacy of Charles VII and the French cause.

However, the Burgundian-English alliance was not to last. By the 1430s, Philip the Good had grown disillusioned with the English, particularly their inability to consolidate their power in France. In 1435, he signed the Treaty of Arras, reconciling with Charles VII and recognising him as the rightful king of France. This marked a significant shift in the balance of power in the war, depriving the English of a crucial ally and contributing to their eventual defeat in 1453.

In conclusion, the politics of Burgundy had a profound impact on the Hundred Years War. Their shifting alliances and political manoeuvrings significantly influenced the course of the war, demonstrating the importance of internal politics in shaping broader historical events.