Toward War: Social Causes and the Scottish Question (1332–1337)

By the mid-1330s, war becomes probable. It is not merely a “quarrel of kings”: it is driven by economic constraints, social tensions, and a game of alliances, where Scotland becomes a decisive front.

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🌾 Demographic Pressure, Crises, and Social Tensions

Since the late 13th century, population growth and successive divisions reduce the size of holdings. Poor harvests and famines (1314–1316) weaken entire regions. Industrial and mercantile towns (notably in Flanders) depend on supply and export circuits that make crisis more violent.

In this context, the nobility seeks revenues: ransoms, booty, and taxes levied in the name of war. For Philip VI, a war can also justify exceptional levies when finances are strained.

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🏴 Scotland: The Auld Alliance as Leverage

France and Scotland are linked by the Auld Alliance (1295). In 1332, Edward Balliol lands in Scotland and relaunches war; English victories (Dupplin Moor, then Halidon Hill) demonstrate the effectiveness of a tactic combining footmen-at-arms and archers.

Edward III revokes the Treaty of Northampton and becomes directly involved: France realizes that Guyenne and Scotland become linked dossiers. Philip VI welcomes David II in 1334 and installs him at Château‑Gaillard: the aim is less to win Scotland than to threaten England.

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🌊 1336–1337: The Channel as Center of Gravity

Maritime competition intensifies. Philip VI contemplates a great expedition, but his financial margins are limited and he must rely on rented fleets. In parallel, papal mediation attempts to contain escalation.

In spring 1337, the Franco-English war appears inevitable: the confrontation will soon declare itself openly.

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🧠 Key Points to Remember

• War is fed by economic and social constraints, not merely dynastic.
• Scotland is a strategic front: it fixes English forces and links dossiers.
• 1336–1337: the Channel becomes the central theater of arms buildup.