How did the conflict between England and France affect Louis IV’s diplomacy?

The conflict between England and France, which escalated into the Hundred Years’ War, significantly influenced the diplomacy of Louis IV. As the papacy was largely under French influence, the Anglo-French rivalry provided Louis with a strategic opportunity to seek international allies against papal hostility.12

In 1337, Edward III of England formed a treaty with Louis, who was viewed as a desirable ally on the international stage. Louis subsequently bestowed an imperial vicarate on the English king, hoping that English subsidies and military pressure against France would force the pope to yield in their ongoing conflict over the imperial crown and charges of heresy.1

By 1339, Louis was in a position to act as an arbitrator between the two powers. However, his diplomatic efforts were ultimately undermined by internal complications, specifically the "Tirolean question" regarding his son’s marriage. This domestic instability led to a rupture with the House of Luxembourg, which subsequently encouraged the French-influenced papacy to renew proceedings against him, ultimately contributing to the election of a rival king and the decline of Louis's political standing.1