What caused the Battle of Bouvines in 1214?

The Battle of Bouvines in 1214 was caused by a complex power struggle involving the French king Philip II and an international coalition organized by King John of England.1

Following the loss of significant territories—including Normandy, Anjou, and Maine—to Philip a decade earlier, King John sought to reclaim his lands and restore his prestige. To achieve this, John formed an alliance with his nephew, the Holy Roman emperor Otto IV, as well as the counts of Flanders and Boulogne. This conflict was further fueled by the broader political polarization in the Low Countries, where various factions aligned themselves into Anglo-Guelf and Franco-Ghibelline coalitions.123

The coalition planned a coordinated pincer movement against Paris, with John attacking from the west and the imperial forces advancing from the north. After John’s forces were defeated at La Roche-aux-Moines, Philip turned his attention to the north, leading to the decisive confrontation at Bouvines.1