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How did Henry Vâs victories support his plan for a dual English and French monarchy?
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Hundred Yearsâ War
Image depicting the Battle of Crécy, during the Hundred Years' War, in which Edward III of England defeated Philip VI of France on August 26, 1346.
Henry Vâs military successes were instrumental in advancing his goal of establishing a dual monarchy, a vision that sought to unite the English and French crowns under a single ruler while maintaining the separate institutions of each kingdom.12
His strategy relied on several key developments:
- Military Conquests: Following his victory at the Battle of Agincourt (1415), Henry systematically reduced northern French towns and fortresses, including the siege of Rouen, to establish permanent English control.345
- Diplomatic Alliances: Henry exploited internal French divisions, specifically the rivalry between the Armagnacs and the Burgundians. After the assassination of John the Fearless, his successor, Philip the Good, allied with Henry, significantly weakening the French resistance.14
- The Treaty of Troyes: These military and diplomatic pressures forced the French to sign the Treaty of Troyes in 1420. This agreement disinherited the dauphin (the future Charles VII) and recognized Henry V as the heir to the French throne and regent of France.14
Ultimately, this plan was cemented by his marriage to Catherine of Valois, daughter of Charles VI, intended to legitimize the personal union of the two crowns.14