Question #73863

1 Answer
Oct 18, 2017

Conflicting claims to France between different royal families.

Explanation:

France in the middle ages was not a united country. Different royal families ruled different parts of France. Eleanor of Aquitane married Henry II of the royal family of England. Because of this England claimed large segments of what is know as part of France. Before marrying Henry Eleanor had been Married to Louis VII the King of France, who also claimed her lands in southern and central France.

The French speaking king of other parts of France contested the claims of the British, to Eleanor's lands in the Aquitane. seeking to gain control of all of what is now known as France.

The Burgandy kingdom now a part of France, would sometimes support the English claims and then turn and support the French claims. Always seeking to increase the lands claimed by the house of Burgandy.
William the Conqueror came from Normandy before becoming King of England. This gave England claim to Normandy as well as the Aquatane ( or four rivers )

The French and English royal families would fight over the contested lands for close to 100 years.