The Hundred Years' War, which spanned from 1337 to 1453, was characterized by a series of conflicts between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France, primarily over territorial claims and the French throne. A critical event in this protracted conflict occurred with the decisive French victory at the Battle of Castillon on July 17, 1453. This battle underscored the effectiveness of the French artillery and marked a turning point, as it was one of the first major engagements in which gunpowder weaponry played a decisive role.

Three months later, the French forces, reinvigorated by their military successes and under King Charles VII's leadership, laid siege to the city of Bordeaux. The English garrison, unable to withstand the pressure, ultimately surrendered, signaling an end to England's territorial claims in southern France. Bordeaux had been a pivotal stronghold for English control and its loss marked a significant milestone in the waning of English influence in the region. The surrender came after a series of strategic maneuvers by the French military, including the employment of innovative tactics and logistical planning.

The capture of Bordeaux not only diminished English territories in France but also emboldened the French armies, which were now unified and prepared to reclaim areas previously controlled by England. The conclusion of the war shifted the focus of both nations towards internal politics and rebuilding, as England faced significant instability due to the Wars of the Roses that would soon follow. Additionally, this event set the stage for the re-establishment of French authority and the eventual rise of France as a leading European power in the ensuing decades.