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Why did Edward III ally with the Flemish cities?

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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.

Edward III of England allied with the Flemish cities during the Hundred Years’ War primarily due to the economic interdependence between England and Flanders.12

The Flemish textile industry, centered in major cities like Ghent, Brugge, and Ypres, relied heavily on the import of English wool to maintain its large-scale production. When the conflict began around 1337, the Count of Flanders, Louis I, supported the French king, Philip VI, which threatened the supply of this essential raw material.1324

In response, the Flemish towns—led by Jacob van Artevelde—rebelled against their count to protect their economic interests. By aligning with Edward III in 1340, the Flemish cities sought to ensure the continued flow of English wool, which was indispensable to their prosperity. This alliance provided Edward with a strategic base on the Continent for his military operations against France.245