Consolidating Power
Upon taking the throne, Henry V sought to restore the authority of the monarchy and gain the support of the English nobility. His early reign was marked by efforts to stabilize the country and build alliances. He reconciled with many of the lords who had supported his father’s usurpation of Richard II, ensuring their loyalty while also attempting to placate the factions that had risen against Henry IV.
One of Henry's first significant actions as king was the execution of several prominent individuals associated with the rebellion against his father. This was part of a broader effort to strengthen royal authority and reduce the power of potential rivals. Although this was a decisive move, it helped ensure that Henry's rule was secure, and his subsequent actions would focus on external rather than internal threats.
Henry’s political skill was evident in his approach to the French threat. His reign saw a renewed focus on the Hundred Years' War, which had been dragging on since 1337 between England and France. Henry recognized that the war could serve not only as a means of asserting English dominance but also as a way to secure his dynasty’s position.
The period of Henry V’s reign is most famously associated with his campaign in France, a central component of the ongoing Hundred Years' War. The conflict had seen England and France engaged in a prolonged struggle for control over French territories, and by 1415, Henry sought to expand English influence.
In 1415, Henry launched the famous Campaign of 1415, beginning with his invasion of France. His most notable military achievement came at the Battle of Agincourt on October 25, 1415. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the English forces, largely composed of archers, decisively defeated the French army. The battle’s outcome was a triumph for Henry and cemented his reputation as a military leader of great renown. The victory also significantly weakened the French nobility and paved the way for English territorial gains in France.
Following Agincourt, Henry V pursued a series of successful campaigns across northern France. He laid siege to and captured several key French cities, including Harfleur. Henry’s diplomatic strategy also proved effective, as he secured alliances with several important French factions, including the Burgundians, who were rivals to the French monarchy. shutdown123