How did the reign of Edward III influence English claims in France?

Edward III's reign significantly influenced English claims in France by initiating the Hundred Years' War over the French crown.

Edward III ascended to the English throne in 1327, and his reign was marked by a significant shift in England's relationship with France. The root of this shift lay in the complex web of feudal relationships and inheritances that connected the English and French crowships. Edward's mother, Isabella of France, was the sister of the French king Charles IV. When Charles died without a male heir in 1328, Edward, through his mother, had a potential claim to the French throne. However, the French nobility rejected this claim, citing Salic law, which prohibited inheritance through the female line, and instead crowned Philip of Valois as King Philip VI.

Edward initially accepted this decision, but relations between England and France soon deteriorated due to a series of disputes, including over the status of the English-held duchy of Aquitaine. In 1337, Edward formally claimed the French crown, thus initiating the Hundred Years' War. This war was not a continuous conflict but rather a series of intermittent battles and campaigns, punctuated by periods of truce and uneasy peace. Edward's claim to the French throne was a central issue throughout the war, and it significantly influenced the course of English and French history.

Edward's reign also saw the development of a distinct English national identity, which was partly shaped by the conflict with France. The war fostered a sense of unity and patriotism among the English, and it also led to significant changes in military tactics and the composition of the English army. Edward himself was a skilled military leader, and his victories in battles such as Crécy and Poitiers enhanced his reputation and bolstered his claim to the French throne.

In conclusion, Edward III's reign had a profound influence on English claims in France. His assertion of a right to the French crown led to the Hundred Years' War, a conflict that shaped the histories of both England and France. His reign also fostered a distinct English national identity and led to significant changes in military tactics and the composition of the English army.