The Treaty of Brétigny marked a pivotal moment in the Hundred Years' War, which had been raging since 1337 between England and France. The treaty was primarily negotiated over the years, leading to its ratification, where Edward III of England formally relinquished his claim to the French crown, a contentious point that fueled the conflict. In return, the treaty granted Edward significant lands in France, most notably the Duchy of Aquitaine. This territorial acquisition bolstered English power in France and established a relative peace between the two nations. The negotiations were marked by complex diplomacy and changing military fortunes, illustrating the intricate nature of medieval conflict resolution.

The treaty was significant not just for its immediate political implications, but also for its long-term effects on Anglo-French relations and European politics. Following the treaty, there was a period of relative stability, allowing both nations to reassess their military strategies. It provided a semblance of peace that lasted until renewed hostilities erupted later in the war. Though the treaty was advantageous for England, it did not resolve the fundamental issues that sparked the war, sowing the seeds for future conflicts and reshaping the balance of power in Western Europe.