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What role did Gascony play in the causes of the Hundred Years’ War?

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Medieval illustration of the Battle of Crecy shows armored soldiers fighting with swords, shields, and bows as mounted knights and banners fill the background. — Hundred Years’ 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.

Gascony played a central role in the causes of the Hundred Years’ War primarily due to the complex feudal and jurisdictional tensions it created between the English and French crowns.12

As a remnant of the Aquitaine region held by the English kings, Gascony was a source of constant friction. Although the English king held the territory, he was technically a vassal of the French king for these lands, necessitating acts of homage that were often performed grudgingly. The French monarchy frequently exploited this suzerainty to intervene in the duchy’s affairs, encouraging local malcontents to appeal to the Parlement of Paris against their English duke.1

These jurisdictional disputes repeatedly escalated into open conflict, such as the wars of 1294–1303 and 1324–1325, which were triggered by skirmishes and disagreements over administrative rights. The situation reached a breaking point in 1337 when Philip VI of France, citing defaults in feudal service, ordered the confiscation of Aquitaine. In response, Edward III renounced his homage and asserted his claim to the French throne, marking the formal beginning of the war.132