How did English wool affect Edward III’s alliance with Flanders?

English wool was a critical factor in Edward III’s alliance with Flanders during the Hundred Years’ War. Because the Flemish textile industry was heavily dependent on the import of English wool, the cities of Flanders were anxious to ensure a continuous supply of the raw material for their cloth production.12

This economic necessity drove the Flemish towns to rebel against their count, Louis I, count of Nevers, who supported the French king, Philip VI. In 1340, this shared interest led to a formal alliance between Edward III and Jacob van Artevelde, a prominent leader of the Flemish towns. The alliance allowed Edward to use Flanders as a base for military operations against France. However, the relationship remained volatile; the importance of the wool trade meant that any disruption in supply could cause immediate social and political upheaval in cities like Ghent, and the alliance became difficult to maintain following the murder of van Artevelde in 1345.12