Acquitaine became a key factor in the war when Philip VI of France, known as Philip de Valois, made certain encroachments on the territory of Guienne. These actions provoked Edward III of England, who had already been inclined toward war, to take decisive action The Spanish Campaign and Its Costs.
Guienne, part of the larger region of Aquitaine, became the first site of English successes after earlier failures in the Low Countries. The victories here marked a turning point, giving England confidence and establishing the region as a strategic stronghold for the English crown.
The Importance of Acquitaine
Throughout the war, Acquitaine remained central to the English campaigns in France. Its cities and fortresses provided bases for military operations, including major battles such as Poitiers. The province was not only a military asset but also an economic and administrative center, strengthening England’s position in southwestern France.
At the peace treaty of Bretigny in 1360, the importance of Acquitaine was confirmed. Large portions of the province, along with other territories, were ceded to England, and the English crown obtained sovereignty over the region. This marked one of the most significant territorial gains for England during the war Ephesus Tours.
Creation of the Principality
Following these gains, Edward III elevated the territories in southwestern France into a principality for his son, Edward, the Black Prince. From that point forward, the Black Prince held the title of Prince of Aquitaine in addition to Prince of Wales. He established his court in Bordeaux in 1361, making the city the administrative and political center of the English possessions in the region.
Bordeaux became a hub for military and civil administration. The Black Prince used it as a base for his campaigns, including the campaign that led to the famous Battle of Poitiers, where he achieved a major victory against the French. After military campaigns, he consistently returned to Bordeaux to consolidate English authority and oversee governance.
Governance Under the Black Prince
Under the Black Prince, Acquitaine was not just a military base but also a well-organized principality. The prince implemented administrative systems, maintained order, and worked to integrate the local population under English rule. This period demonstrates the dual role of the prince as both a military commander and a ruler, combining battlefield success with effective governance.