Crown Clash Quick Check
Medieval History • Quick Assessment
Crown Clash Quick Check
15 Minutes • 10 Points
Name:
Date:
Period:
Score:
/ 10
Context (1328–1337): In 1328, King Charles IV of France died without a direct male heir. Edward III of England pressed his dynastic rights to France's crown, setting off decades of diplomatic and military struggle.
1
Select the correct answer
4 Points
What was the primary cause of the Hundred Years’ War?
A England and France disagreed over who the rightful pope was.
B The king of England claimed a right to become the king of France.
C The people of France blamed England for causing the Black Death.
D England and France disagreed over the border between their countries.
2
Historical Evidence Analysis
3 Points
Match each statement with its role in the origins of the war. Write W, X, Y, or Z in the blank box.
1. Western Schism (1378)
2. Edward III’s Dynastic Claim
3. Black Death Plague (1347)
4. Feudal Homage for Guyenne
[W] Feudal clash over sovereign control vs. vassalage | [X] Began 10 years after war began | [Y] Papal schism during the war, not its cause | [Z] Immediate catalyst challenging Philip VI
3
Constructed Response: Salic Law & Lineage
3 Points
Explain how King Edward III of England justified his claim to the French crown, and why French nobles cited Salic Law to crown Philip VI of Valois instead.
World History • Medieval Dynasties & Warfare Document Page 1 of 1
Crown Clash Answer Key
Teacher Reference • Scoring Guide
Crown Clash Answer Key
Total Points: 10
Q1 Correct Choice: B (4 pts)
Q2 Match: 1-Y • 2-Z • 3-X • 4-W
Q3 Rubric: Salic Law + Isabella (3 pts)
Question 1 Item Breakdown: Primary Cause of the War
Correct: Option B
Why B is Correct: When France's King Charles IV died in 1328 without a male heir, King Edward III of England claimed the French crown through his mother, Isabella of France (Charles IV's sister). French barons rejected his claim and crowned Philip VI of Valois. In 1337, after Philip declared English-held Guyenne forfeit, Edward III asserted his royal right to France by arms, triggering the war.
Distractor A (Papal Schism) The Western Schism began in 1378—over 40 years into the war. While England backed Urban VI in Rome and France backed Clement VII in Avignon, this was a result of existing hostilities, not the cause.
Distractor C (Black Death) The bubonic plague devastated Europe from 1347–1351, a full decade after fighting commenced in 1337. The pandemic halted combat temporarily rather than starting it.
Distractor D (Border Disagreements) The friction involved feudal vassalage over English-held Guyenne/Gascony (sovereignty and royal homage), which culminated in Edward's direct claim to the throne, not a modern border dispute.
Question 2 Alignment: Evidence Matching (3 Points)
1 → Y Western Schism (1378): Papal rift during conflict, not its cause.
2 → Z Edward's Claim: Direct dynastic catalyst challenging Philip VI.
3 → X Black Death (1347): Began 10 years after war was underway.
4 → W Guyenne Vassalage: Long-term feudal friction over sovereignty.
Question 3 Scoring Rubric & Exemplar (3 Points)
Point Breakdown Rubric:
- 1 pt: Identifies Edward III's maternal link through Queen Isabella (daughter of Philip IV).
- 1 pt: Explains French invocation of Salic Law prohibiting succession through female lineage.
- 1 pt: Notes election/crowning of Philip VI (House of Valois) as legitimate French monarch.
Model Exemplar Student Response:
"Edward III claimed the French throne because his mother Isabella was the daughter of King Philip IV and sister of the deceased King Charles IV, making Edward the closest surviving male relative. However, French nobility rejected an English king ruling France and cited Salic Law—an ancient legal code—ruling that women could neither inherit the throne nor transmit succession rights to their sons. They instead crowned Philip VI of Valois."
Teaching Tip: Remind students that feudal borders were fluid allegiance networks, not modern national borders. The crisis blended personal dynastic legitimacy with English control of Gascony.
Key Reference 100YW-01
Teacher Resource • Crown Clash Assessment Key Document Page 1 of 1
