Anglo-French War of 1213–1214

European history

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June 18, 2026

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The Anglo-French War of 1213–1214 was a conflict primarily driven by the rivalry between King Philip II Augustus of France and King John of England. John, seeking to reclaim territories lost to Philip, formed an international coalition that included Holy Roman Emperor Otto IV, and the counts of Flanders and Boulogne. The plan was for John to attack from the west while the coalition forces advanced from the north towards Paris.12

However, the plan faltered when John was defeated at La Roche-aux-Moines. The decisive engagement occurred at the Battle of Bouvines on July 27, 1214, where Philip II secured a significant victory over the coalition. This triumph solidified French royal power and led to John's weakening, forcing him to sign the Magna Carta the following year.1

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…fiefs finally prompted him to act in 1214; he led a force from the west, and his major allies marched on Paris from the north. Philip Augustus met the allied forces at Bouvines in July 1214 and won a decisive victory. As John retreated and his coalition collapsed, there could…
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…fiefs finally prompted him to act in 1214; he led a force from the west, and his major allies marched on Paris from the north. Philip Augustus met the allied forces at Bouvines in July 1214 and won a decisive victory. As John retreated and his coalition collapsed, there could…
Read More