In this episode of Why Wars Happened, we’re thrilled to sit down with Lord Jonathan Sumption—former UK Supreme Court justice and renowned historian—for an unforgettable dive into the Hundred Years’ War. With over four decades spent researching and writing a five-volume history of the conflict, Sumption brings rare depth and clarity to a war that shaped the fate of England and France.

We’ll talk about the major players and battles, the messy politics that kept the war going for over a century, and the long shadow it cast over Europe. From the courtroom to the battlefield, this conversation blends storytelling with serious scholarship. If you’re into medieval history, English politics, or just love a good history story, you won’t want to miss this one.

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast

00:50 Introducing Lord Jonathan Sumption

01:29 The Epic Journey of Writing About the 100 Years War

02:39 Challenges in Writing a Neutral History

04:29 Overview of the 100 Years War

10:54 Joan of Arc's Trial and Medieval Justice

14:31 Significant Battles and Figures

20:24 Impact on Civilians and the Aftermath

24:00 Debates and Unanswered Questions

29:21 Future Projects and Conclusion

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INTERVIEW: The Hundred Years' War with UK Supreme Court Justice, Lord Jonathan Sumption

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

#historypodcast

#Whywarshappened

#whywarshappen

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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INTERVIEW: The Kings Who Built Medieval France (and Sparked a War) with Author Justine Firnhaber-Baker

Step into medieval France with historian Justine Firnhaber-Baker as she breaks down the power, politics, and legacy of the Capetian Dynasty. In this episode of Why Wars Happened, we talk about everything from the Crusades and the rise of chivalry to gothic cathedrals and royal rivalries. Justine explains how France’s kings built their power—and how that power shaped centuries of European conflict, including the buildup to the Hundred Years’ War. If you're into medieval history or just want to understand how France became France, this episode is for you.

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast

00:49 Meet Justine Firnhaber-Baker: Expert on Medieval France

01:38 The Capetian Dynasty: Shaping Medieval France

02:39 Personal Fascinations and Academic Pursuits

04:16 Medieval Maps and Borders: A Historical Overview

06:56 Power Dynamics in Medieval France

13:37 The Hundred Years' War: Origins and Conflicts

16:29 The Role of the Mayor of the Palace

22:30 Sources and Historical Debates

29:07 Upcoming Works and Conclusion

#historypodcast

#Whywarshappened

#whywarshappen

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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INTERVIEW: 36th US Army Chief of Staff, General George Casey, on Iraq, 9/11, and Leading in Chaos

What’s it really like to lead the U.S. Army during war? In this episode of Why Wars Happened, Emily talks with retired four-star General George Casey Jr., former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. From commanding during the Iraq War to managing massive change in the military after 9/11, General Casey shares firsthand stories and lessons on leadership, strategy, and how warfare has evolved in a post-Cold War world. He also unpacks what it means to lead in a VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. If you want a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions and pressure at the top levels of U.S. military command, this episode is it.

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast

00:50 Meet General George Casey

01:32 Role and Responsibilities of the US Army Chief of Staff

04:50 Transformation of the US Army Post-9/11

09:12 Revised Operations Field Manual 2008

13:02 General Casey's Role During the Iraq War

14:49 Living in a VUCA World

18:40 Future Combat Systems Program

22:36 Reflections on 9/11 and the Iraq War

34:25 Conclusion and Upcoming Projects

#historypodcast

#Whywarshappened

#whywarshappen