What are we fighting the French?

Reason for conflict: Political

This reason could involve things to do with changes in rulers or laws.Words associated with ‘politics’:• Power• Control• Influence

Reason for conflict: Religious

This reason will be something to do with religion. Possibly a change in religion or a fight over religion. Different ways of worshipping God.Words associated with religion:• Catholic• Protestant• Reformation

Reason for conflict: Economy

This reason is something to do with money or wealth. Think hard what form that wealth comes in.Words associated with economy:• Money• Trade• Resources

Reason for conflict: Ideology

This is a wild card and you will only use it once! Ideology is a way of looking at the world and how it should be organised and a person’s place within it.Words associated with ideology:• Radical• Revolution• Philosophy

1066 Battle of Hastings

This battle took place because William of Normandy (northern France) felt he was the rightful ruler of England and he invaded, with the support of the Pope.

c1152 onwards: Angevin v Capetian

These are the squabbles that led to wars between Henry II of England and Louis VII of France with his son Phillip II. These squabbles were over large parts of France that Henry’s wife ‘owned’ and both monarchs wanted.

1337-1453: The 100 Years War

These wars were fought over the English monarch’s claim to be King of France as well. They were fought on French soil over 115 years and include famous battles such as:• Crecy 1346• Poitiers 1356• Agincourt 1415

1327 onwards: Franco-Scots Alliance

From 1327 the French and Scots agreed to defend each other in the event of an attack by England.

c1511 onwards: Tudor v Valois

This squabble begins with Henry VIII and Francis I over who is the most important monarch and Henry’s assertion of his right to claim land in France.

1688-1697: The War of the League of Augsburg

It is feared that a very powerful Louis XIV of France will achieve European domination. This culminates in the War of the League of Augsburg when England together with the Dutch succeed in stopping this happening.

1702-1713: The War of Spanish Succession

This is a war to stop the French monarchy laying claim to the empty Spanish throne. Britain is trying to maintain the balance of power in Europe and not have one nation with too much power.

1740-1748: The War of the Austrian Succession

This is a war to stop the French monarchy laying claim to the empty Austrian throne. Britain is trying to maintain the balance of power in Europe and not have one nation with too much power. Battles take place in:• North America (war of Jenkins Ear)• India• Silesia

1756-1763: The Seven Years War

Some historians call this the First World War because it was fought in several continents. This war was over territory in North America and India and led to the British domination of both continents.

1775-1783: American War of Independence

This is a war between the British crown and British colonists in one of our colonies. The French decided to get involved because they saw an opportunity to strike a blow against Britain.

1793-1815: Napoleonic Wars

This is a war to stop the spread of French republicanism across Europe (including Britain) and dominating the continent.

Extension

• Find examples of cooperation and friendship with France.