What were the consequences of the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360?

The Treaty of Brétigny in 1360 ended the first phase of the Hundred Years' War, with England gaining significant territories in France.

The Treaty of Brétigny was signed on 8 May 1360, marking the end of the first phase of the Hundred Years' War. This war was a series of conflicts waged from 1337 to 1453 between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France, along with various allies. The treaty was a significant turning point in the war, as it resulted in England gaining substantial territories in France, including Calais and Ponthieu in the north, and Aquitaine in the south-west, which was expanded into a vast territory stretching from the Loire to the Pyrenees.

The treaty also had significant financial implications. The French King, John II, who had been captured at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, was released after a ransom of 3 million crowns was agreed upon. This was a huge sum, and the French Crown's attempts to raise the money led to widespread discontent and financial instability in France.

The treaty also had a significant impact on the balance of power in Europe. England's territorial gains and the release of King John II strengthened its position, while France was left weakened and financially unstable. This shift in power dynamics set the stage for the continuation of the Hundred Years' War, as the French sought to regain their lost territories and restore their position.

However, the peace established by the Treaty of Brétigny was short-lived. The treaty's terms were never fully implemented, and hostilities resumed in 1369, marking the beginning of the war's second phase. The treaty's failure to bring about a lasting peace demonstrates the deep-seated animosity and rivalry between England and France, which continued to fuel the conflict for many more decades.

In summary, the Treaty of Brétigny had significant territorial, financial, and political consequences. It marked a temporary end to the Hundred Years' War and resulted in a shift in power dynamics in favour of England. However, its failure to bring about a lasting peace set the stage for the continuation of the war.