Middle Ages · Question
What 1360 treaty temporarily paused major fighting and recognized English gains in France?
Answer
Treaty of Brétigny
The story behind the answer
Concluded in 1360 after the English victory at Poitiers and the capture of France’s King John II, this accord ended the war’s first phase by confirming wide English sovereignty in southwestern France (notably Aquitaine) and around Calais. In exchange, Edward III agreed—at least nominally—to drop his claim to the French crown, while France accepted a massive ransom for King John. The deal was ratified at Calais and brought a short-lived lull in the Hundred Years’ War.
The peace unraveled within a decade, as disputes over implementation and shifting politics under Charles V reignited conflict by 1369. For contrast, Troyes (1420) named Henry V heir to the French throne, Arras (1435) reconciled France with Burgundy, and Picquigny (1475) ended a later Anglo-French clash—none match the 1360 pause and recognition of English territorial gains.