Introduction
Imagine you are living in the 14th century. The kingdoms of England and France are locked in a fierce struggle that will last more than a hundred years. This conflict — The Hundred Years' War — changed medieval Europe forever. It introduced new weapons, created national heroes like Joan of Arc, and shaped the future of both nations.
Your mission? Work as a team of historical investigators. You will explore real events, discover key figures, and finally present your findings to the “Royal Council of Historians” (your classmates). By the end of this WebQuest, you will understand why this war was more than just a series of battles — it was a turning point in history.
Task
In groups of 3–4, each member takes a different role. Every role has unique research focus.
⚔️ Military Analyst
Focus on battles, tactics, and weapons. Investigate Crécy, Poitiers, Agincourt, and the role of the longbow vs. French knights.
👑 Political Strategist
Analyze the causes of the war, succession crisis, key treaties (Treaty of Troyes), and the role of kings — Edward III, Henry V, Charles VII.
🕊️ Social Chronicler
Explore the impact on ordinary people, the rise of nationalism, economic changes, the Black Death’s effect on the war, and Joan of Arc’s legacy.
🗺️ Legacy Curator
Find out how the war ended (Battle of Castillon, 1453) and what changed afterwards: standing armies, loss of English land in France
Your group will create a digital presentation (Canva, PowerPoint, Google Slides, or poster) that answers the big question:
“Why did the Hundred Years’ War last so long, and how did it change England and France forever?”
📌 Timeline of 5 major events
📌 Map showing territorial changes
📌 One key figure analysis (per role)
📌 Comparison: early vs late war tactics
📌 Final conclusion & legacy
Process
- Form your team and assign roles (Military, Political, Social, Legacy).
- Research individually using the recommended resources. Take notes on key facts, dates, and interesting details.
- Share findings in a group meeting (online or in class). Use a shared document.
- Build your presentation — each role must present their part (3-4 slides per person).
- Prepare a 1-page summary handout for the audience (key vocabulary + timeline).
- Present to the class (5-7 minutes) and answer questions from the “Royal Council”.
Evaluation
| Criteria | Excellent (5 pts) | Good (3-4 pts) | Needs improvement (1-2 pts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historical Accuracy | All facts correct, well-researched, dates/names precise. | Minor errors, mostly accurate. | Several mistakes or unclear information. |
| Team Collaboration & Roles | All members contribute equally, roles are clear and integrated. | Some imbalance but overall cooperative. | Only 1-2 people work, poor integration. |
| Language & Clarity (B1-B2) | Clear English, topic-specific vocabulary explained, minimal grammar errors. | Understandable, some vocabulary misuse, occasional errors. | Hard to follow, many basic mistakes. |
| Presentation & Creativity | Engaging visuals, logical flow, answers the big question effectively. | Good structure but lacking creativity or minor disorganization. | Messy slides, no clear conclusion. |
Conclusion
Congratulations! After completing this WebQuest, you will not only understand the major events of the Hundred Years' War, but you will also improve your research, collaboration, and presentation skills in English. You’ll discover how a single conflict reshaped national identities and introduced modern warfare.
✨ Think about this: Could a war last 100 years today? Why or why not? Share your thoughts with the class after the presentations.
⚜️ Now, pick up your quills (or keyboards) and travel back to the Middle Ages!
Credits
Britannica: Hundred Years' WarHistory.com OverviewBBC Bitesize (Medieval)Ducksters (easy reading)World History EncyclopediaeRenoW: The Hundred Years' War
🎥 Videos (with subtitles): Search YouTube for “Hundred Years' War oversimplified” or “Crash Course: Hundred Years' War”. Use CC for better understanding.
📖 Extra vocabulary support: Use Longman Dictionary or Cambridge Dictionary.
Teacher Page
Level: B1-B2 (intermediate to upper-intermediate).
Time: 3–4 class periods (research, group work, presentations) plus homework.
Adaptations: For weaker B1 students, provide a simplified vocabulary list or sentence starters. For stronger B2, require additional primary source quotes (from medieval chronicles).