1336–1338: The Race for Alliances and "Sterling Diplomacy"

At the beginning of the Hundred Years’ War, the balance of power is decided as much by alliances as by battles. Edward III deploys a strategy where money, wool, and privileges count as much as knights: a “sterling diplomacy” designed to encircle Valois to north and east.

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🧶 Wool, Cloth, and Economic Pressure

After the vote of subsidies by the English Parliament (Nottingham), the march to war accelerates. At the end of 1336, Edward III forbids the sale of English wool to Flanders. In February 1337, he grants privileges to foreign workers settling in England and forbids the import of foreign cloth.

The aim is twofold: to make England seem able to live without Flanders, and to force cloth towns (Ypres, Ghent, Bruges, Lille) to choose between English suppliers and French outlets. Edward also favors Brabant (Malines, Brussels): 30,000 sacks of wool are delivered on condition of yielding nothing to Flemish cities.

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🧾 Valenciennes: An “Alliance Exchange”

English ambassadors hold at Valenciennes, at the gates of the kingdom, a veritable exchange of alliances: one monetizes fidélités there, exploiting princely rivalries and hates of Valois. Flemish cities and Brabant tip toward England, soon followed by Hainaut (Edward III is the husband of Philippa of Hainaut). The coalition extends to Rhenish principalities (Juliers, Limbourg, Clèves…).

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🦅 Emperor Louis of Bavaria and the Title of “Vicar Imperial”

The game is more subtle with Emperor Louis of Bavaria, excommunicated and weakened. In August 1337, he sells his adherence to the Plantagenets. Edward III obtains the title of “Vicar Imperial in Lower Germany,” which strengthens his position on the Rhine and the Meuse.

In September 1338, at Coblence, grand festivities celebrate this alliance, financed by England. Benedict XII protests, but equivocates and still attempts mediation.

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🛡️ Philip VI’s Responses: Fewer Allies, More Solidity

Philip VI and his council (notably Miles of Noyers) respond through pensions and more stable alliances: Counts of Savoy and Genève, loyalty of John of Luxembourg (“John the Blind”), support of Genoa (ships and crossbowmen), Hapsburgese sympathies. A major diplomatic success is the alliance of Castile (December 1336): a useful maritime aid on the Atlantic.

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🧠 Key Points to Remember

• Wool and money structure the war from its opening.
• 1337–1338: English coalition to north and in Empire, title of vicar imperial.
• Philip VI compensates through fewer but more solid alliances.