Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 2 Henry V and the…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 2 Henry V and the conquest of France, 1413–21: The significance of renewing the war with France and the campaign of 1415.
Henry V’s decision to renew the war with France in 1415 was significant for several reasons.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Henry V’s decision to renew the war with France in 1415 was significant for several reasons. It united the English nobility behind the king, provided an outlet for martial ambition, and aimed to secure his claim to the French throne. The campaign of 1415, culminating in the Battle of Agincourt, was a remarkable military success against overwhelming odds. This victory enhanced Henry’s prestige, strengthened his position at home, and paved the way for further conquests. The renewal of war also had diplomatic and economic implications, including alliances and the financing of campaigns. Understanding the significance involves assessing the motives, the course of the campaign, and its short- and long-term consequences for England and France.
What earns the marks
- Explain Henry V’s motives for renewing the war: claim to the French throne, domestic unity, and pressure from the nobility.
- Describe the campaign of 1415: the siege of Harfleur, the march to Agincourt, and the battle itself.
- Analyse the significance of the campaign: military success, propaganda value, and impact on English morale.
- Assess the consequences of renewing the war: financial costs, diplomatic realignments, and the Treaty of Troyes (1420).
- Evaluate the extent to which the campaign of 1415 was a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Focusing solely on Agincourt and ignoring the wider campaign.
Put it right: Include the siege of Harfleur and the strategic context.
Treating the renewal of war as solely a military venture.
Put it right: Consider political, economic, and diplomatic factors.
Assuming the campaign was an unqualified success.
Put it right: Acknowledge the costs, such as the heavy casualties from disease at Harfleur.
Exam tips
- Structure your answer around the significance of both the decision to renew war and the 1415 campaign.
- Use contemporary evidence, such as chronicles or financial records, to support your points.
- Link the campaign to its longer-term consequences, such as the Treaty of Troyes.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 - 2 Henry V and the conquest of France, 1413–21: The significance of renewing the war with France and the campaign of 1415. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In which year did Henry V launch the campaign that led to the Battle of Agincourt?
Listen
Henry V’s decision to renew the war with France in 1415 was significant for several reasons. It united the English nobility behind the king, provided an outlet for martial ambition, and aimed to secure his claim to the French throne. The campaign of 1415, culminating in the Battle of Agincourt, was a remarkable military success against overwhelming odds. This victory enhanced Henry’s prestige, strengthened his position at home, and paved the way for further conquests. The renewal of war also had diplomatic and economic implications, including alliances and the financing of campaigns. Understanding the significance involves assessing the motives, the course of the campaign, and its short- and long-term consequences for England and France. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain Henry V’s motives for renewing the war: claim to the French throne, domestic unity, and pressure from the nobility. Describe the campaign of 1415: the siege of Harfleur, the march to Agincourt, and the battle itself. Analyse the significance of the campaign: military success, propaganda value, and impact on English morale. Assess the consequences of renewing the war: financial costs, diplomatic realignments, and the Treaty of Troyes (1420). A common slip: Focusing solely on Agincourt and ignoring the wider campaign. Instead, Include the siege of Harfleur and the strategic context. Exam tip: Structure your answer around the significance of both the decision to renew war and the 1415 campaign.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
War and conquest
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Kingship and leadership
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Diplomacy and alliances
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Propaganda and legacy
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See every definition
- War and conquest
- Renewing the war with France in 1415 aimed to secure Henry V's claim to the French throne and paved the way for further conquests.
- Kingship and leadership
- The renewal of war united the English nobility behind the king and strengthened his position at home.
- Diplomacy and alliances
- The renewal of war had diplomatic implications, including alliances and diplomatic realignments, and led to the Treaty of Troyes.
- Propaganda and legacy
- The victory at Agincourt enhanced Henry's prestige and had propaganda value, with short- and long-term consequences for England and France.
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