Resolution of the Flanders conflict and England Philip V of France

philip pursued successful diplomatic , dynastic solution long running tensions flanders.

philip able achieve successful resolution of ongoing flanders problem. count of flanders ruled immensely wealthy state , largely led autonomous existence on edge of french state. french king regarded having suzerainty on flanders, in recent years relationship had become strained. philip iv had been defeated @ courtrai in 1302 attempting reassert french control, , despite later french victory @ battle of mons-en-pévèle relationship remained tense.

robert iii of flanders had continued resist france militarily, philip s accession throne had found himself increasingly isolated politically in flanders itself. meanwhile, french position had become strained need maintain wartime footing. louis x had prohibited exports of grain , other material flanders in 1315, resulting in profitable smuggling industry in turn discouraged legal trade french crown along border region; louis forced directly requisition food forces, resulting in string of complaints local lords , church. philip began reinstate proper recompensation scheme in 1317, situation remained unstable.

both philip , robert turned away seeking military solution in favour of political compromise. accordingly, robert made accommodation philip in june 1320, under robert confirm young grandson, louis, designated heir, in return louis being pledged in marriage philip s second daughter, margaret. provide robert, , louis, strong french support within flanders. louis was, great extent, under philip s influence. louis had been brought in nevers in central france, , @ philip s court. , culturally french prince. arrangement considerable success philip s policy, although on time louis clear french loyalties , lack of political links within flanders lead political upheaval , peasant revolt.

philip faced difficulties edward ii of england. count of flanders, edward in role ruler of gascony owed homage king of france, king in own right, , head of largely autonomous gascon province, disinclined so. edward had not given homage louis x, , declined philip, had reputation being more favourable english louis x. in 1319 philip allowed edward give homage proxy, honour standards of day, expected him in person in 1320. edward arrived in amiens so, find philip insisting edward give oath of personal fealty him – act going beyond of normal feudal homage. edward gave homage refused swear fealty; nonetheless, marked period of increased french pressure on england on gascony.