La Corona de Castilla en la Guerra de los Cien Años

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of this essay is to examine the role of Castile in the European war known as the Hundred Years’ War. Although Castile wasn´t directly involved at the beginning of this feudal dynastic war between France and England, this kingdom took part in different fields such as trade, diplomacy or war. Therefore, the Crown used diplomacy throughout the conflict, the Cantabrian merchants tried to reach the markets of Flanders using both diplomatic and warlike strategies, and the Castilian boats participated in many naval expeditions, usually supporting the French army. Castile was even a battlefield during the second part of 14th century: many mercenaries helped Aragon against Castile in the decades of 1350 and 1360, and France and England took part in the Castilian Civil War as the Black Prince supported Pedro I and France supported Enrique II. Once Enrique became the king, the alliance between France and Castile remained a constant situation, although Castile progressively got out of the conflict once the access to Flanders and the settling of Trastámara dynasty were both guaranteed.