Were economic or political causes more influential in the Hundred Years' War?

Both economic and political causes were influential in the Hundred Years' War, but political causes were arguably more significant.

The Hundred Years' War, a series of conflicts waged from 1337 to 1453, was primarily driven by political factors. The main cause was the dispute over the French throne after the death of the last Capetian king, Charles IV. Edward III of England claimed the French crown as the nephew of Charles IV, while the French nobility chose Philip VI, a cousin of the deceased king. This led to a bitter rivalry between the two nations, with England seeking to assert its claim over the French throne and France striving to maintain its sovereignty.

However, economic factors also played a crucial role in the war. The English crown had long-standing economic interests in the wool trade with Flanders, a region in modern-day Belgium. The French monarchy's attempts to disrupt this trade and assert control over Flanders were a significant cause of tension between England and France. Moreover, the war itself had severe economic consequences. The constant warfare disrupted trade, led to heavy taxation, and caused widespread devastation and loss of life, which further exacerbated the economic hardships faced by both nations.

The war also had a profound impact on the political landscape of both England and France. In England, the war led to a shift in power from the monarchy to the nobility, as the king had to rely on the nobles for financial support to wage the war. In France, the war resulted in the centralisation of power in the monarchy, as the king sought to consolidate his control over the French territories.

In conclusion, while economic factors were certainly important in the Hundred Years' War, it was the political causes - the dispute over the French throne and the subsequent power struggles in both England and France - that were arguably more influential in driving the conflict.