seaver, the issue isn't just the loss of Guienne...though you're right that that's the issue that touches it all off. Edward the 3rd decided to address that matter by claiming kingship. The problem is that his claim goes through a woman, which isn't allowed under french law at the time. Yes, Phillip the 4th has a shaky claim to the throne too, but it was technically legal. Edward had not made the claim to the throne previously, did not contest it in a timely fashion...the Capatian dynasty had no legal heirs, and that includes Edward the 3rd. There's a reason Phillip the 4th is the start of the Valois line...he's not a claimant to the Capatian line, but a next best thing thrown in to the throne by his peers.
That's why i say the English knew the claim wasn't really valid. It was an excuse to take out anger over the loss of territory...but in the end, it was the English who lacked the military capability to enforce the claim...not the house of Valois.
I really don't mean to quibble, but i think my interpretation of this history is at least reasonable.
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-John 3:16
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