In February 1328, Charles IV of France died. On April 1, a posthumous daughter was born, who was forbidden by Salic law to take power. Two candidates for the crown were then presented: Edward III of England and Philip of Valois.
On May 19, 1328, Philip VI de Valois was proclaimed King of France by the States General, following the instructions of Charles' will.
Edward did not recognize Philip and publicly announced that he would support anyone who stood up to the French king. Philip VI reacted by marching his troops into Flanders, where the Flemish weavers were highly dependent on English wool.