The significance of the conquest of Normandy and the Treaty of Troyes 1417- 20

The military campaign, 1417-19: Henry V’s 1417 Normandy Campaign

Henry first tried and failed to gain Norman territory through diplomacy, so in August 1417 he led an army of about 10,500 soldiers to France.

He now aimed to fully conquer Normandy and prepared carefully for siege warfare, bringing several cannons to help capture the strongly fortified French towns.

Financing and Early Success of Henry V’s 1417 Campaign

The campaign was strongly financed through heavy taxes approved by Parliament in 1415–16 and through loans. This made the English a powerful force. After landing at the Seine estuary on 1 August, the army marched to Caen, which was captured in September after a hard-fought siege.

What towns did Henry V and his commanders capture in 1418?

Henry and Richard Beauchamp attacked and took towns such as Alençon and Domfront, while Humphrey, duke of Gloucester, besieged and starved Cherbourg into surrender in autumn 1418.

How did Henry strengthen his hold on Normandy after capturing towns?

He established new administration in Caen to secure English control, a pattern he repeated after later conquests.

Why was the capture of Pont-de-l’Arche important in July 1418?

It was a strategic site on the Seine only a few miles from Rouen, helping Henry cut off support to the Norman capital.

What happened during Henry V’s siege of Rouen?

Henry besieged Rouen from late July 1418 to January 1419, causing severe hunger and hardship before the city surrendered.

What penalties did Henry impose on Rouen after its surrender?

Rouen had to pay a huge fine of roughly £50,000, recognise Henry as its feudal lord, and give him control of the castle, traditionally held by the duke of Normandy.

The impact and cost of success: How did French internal conflicts help Henry V?

The English took advantage of the tension between the Burgundians and Armagnacs, which weakened France.

The impact and cost of success: How did Henry V use the Burgundian–Armagnac rivalry to his advantage?

He negotiated with each side to increase distrust between them and weaken French unity.

The impact and cost of success: major event in 1419 shifted Burgundian support to the English?

The assassination of John the Fearless on 10 September 1419 led the Burgundians to abandon the French and support the English

The impact and cost of success: demands did Henry V make after gaining Burgundian support?

He renewed his claim to the French crown and requested marriage to Catherine of Valois.

The impact and cost of success: What agreement was reached through the Treaty of Troyes?

On 21 May 1420, Henry V and Charles VI agreed that Henry would be heir to the French throne; he married Catherine of Valois on 2 June.

What is the political significance of the term of the treaty: Henry to be recognised as the heir to the French throne until Charles VI died.

This disinherited the Dauphin, Charles, who would not accept this agreement and declared his intention of fighting to make good his claim to the throne. He had significant support from the Armagnac faction and was regarded in the South of France especially as the rightful heir to the throne. Unexpectedly, Henry V predeceased Charles by six weeks, which meant that he was never crowned King of France. This weakened the claim of his son and heir Henry.

What is the political significance of the term of the treaty: Henry to marry Catherine of Valois

As any child would be closely related to both English and Freich monarchs, this would strengthen the Lancastrian dynasty's claim to be rulers of both England and France. A son, Prince Henry (later Henry Vl), was born to the couple in 1421. The fact that Henry V died unexpectedly in 1422, however, meant that a baby inherited both crowns. Both countries, therefore, had to be governed by minority councils and this was particularly problematic in France, given that the country was in reality still at war about who should be king.

What is the political significance of the term of the treaty: Until Charles' death, Henry would rule as regent of France, observing French laws and customs and assisted by a council of French noblemen

Henry was regarded by a significant section of the French nobility as a usurper and so considerable friction developed regarding the governance of French territories.

What is the political significance of the term of the treaty: Normandy was to be regarded as separate from France until Charles VI died, but to be reunited with the kingdom of France when Henry became king

Henry focused on developing new administrations in his conquered territories and making substantial grants of land there to both his English supporters and to key members of the Norman nobility, whom he wished to conciliate.

These grants of land to English nobles meant that many wealthy men in England had a vested interest in ensuring that English holdings in France were maintained. This meant that during Henry Vis reign there were key figures, such as Humphrey, duke of Gloucester, who wished to avoid making territorial concessions to the French.

What is the political significance of the term of the treaty: The English and Burgundians agreed to work together to prevent the dauphin and his supporters challenging the treaty

During much of the 1420s, this alliance successfully prevented the dauphin seizing power. Henry and the duke of Burgundy fought together in 1420 to consolidate the treaty, taking Sens and Montereau, both towns allied to the dauphin's cause. Consequently, by December 1420 Henry was able to enter Paris and have his French claims publicly acknowledged. The dauphin subsequently sought to invade Burgundy, but was repelled by combined Anglo-Burgundian troops at the Battle of Cravant in 1423. Although the alliance was less secure by the late 142.0s, the Burgundians were responsible for the capture of Joan of Arc and it was not until their allegiance changed in 1435 that English fortunes in the Hundred Years War were truly reversed.

How did England fund Henry V’s 1417 invasion of France?

Through heavy taxation approved by Parliament and by taking out loans, which later put major strain on royal finances.

Why did Parliament become unwilling to keep funding the war after 1420?

The conflict seemed endless and looked more like a French civil war than an English conquest, leading to concerns about cost and royal finances.

Why couldn’t Henry’s French conquests fund the war as Parliament wanted?

French towns and trade were badly damaged; the economy was too weakened to support military costs.

What economic issues did France face during Henry’s campaigns?

Gascon wine exports collapsed, harming both France and English ports like Bristol; many people were displaced, and the failed 1420 harvest led to starvation.

How did Henry V try to strengthen English control in France?

He settled Englishmen there, giving them land and titles in exchange for military service; historians suggest this improved stability in Normandy.

What financial reforms did Henry introduce in France?

He attempted major economic reforms, but they had no time to take effect before his death in 1422.

What challenges did Henry V leave his infant son in 1422?

A great military reputation to uphold, severe financial problems, and rule over two countries—one being France, already torn by civil war.

Why do many historians argue the Treaty of Troyes was likely to fail?

Because war costs, English reluctance to fund campaigns, and France’s economic and social collapse made long-term English control nearly impossible, despite some historians’ more optimistic views