France and England in Crisis: The Truce of Leulinghen (1389) and the End of the Second Phase of the Hundred Years’ War

By the late 1380s, both France and England were facing internal crises, leading to renewed attempts at peace negotiations. In 1389, these efforts culminated in the Truce of Leulinghen (signed June 18, 1389), which ended the second phase of the Hundred Years’ War.

France’s Internal Struggles (1380s)

• King Charles VI suffered from recurring bouts of mental illness, leaving the government in disarray.
• A series of tax-related revolts shook France, beginning with the Harelle Revolt (1382).
• These domestic troubles weakened France’s ability to sustain prolonged military campaigns, making a truce with England more appealing.

England’s Political and Financial Crisis

• The war had become increasingly unpopular in England, as high taxes were needed to fund it.
• These taxes were one of the factors behind the Peasants' Revolt (1381), fueling resentment among the lower classes.
• King Richard II’s lack of enthusiasm for the war, combined with his favoritism toward a select few advisors, angered a faction of powerful nobles.
• This faction, known as the Lords Appellant, included Richard’s uncle, the Duke of Gloucester, and led the Merciless Parliament of 1388, where they executed or exiled many of Richard’s closest advisors for treason.

The Truce of Leulinghen (June 18, 1389)

• By autumn 1388, despite their desire to renew hostilities, the Lords Appellant could not secure funding for military campaigns.
• The English Council reluctantly resumed peace negotiations with France, leading to the Truce of Leulinghen, signed on June 18, 1389, near Calais.
• This three-year truce effectively ended the second phase of the Hundred Years' War, as neither side was in a position to continue fighting.

Impact and Legacy

• The Truce of Leulinghen provided a temporary halt to hostilities, allowing both kingdoms to focus on internal stability.
• The discontent in England would continue to grow, leading to Richard II’s eventual downfall in 1399.
• France’s truce with England allowed Charles VI’s uncles to consolidate power, though the king’s ongoing mental illness would continue to destabilize the monarchy.

The Truce of Leulinghen (1389) marked a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War, as both France and England faced mounting internal crises that prevented further conflict, leading to a temporary peace.