Final answer:
The Hundred Years' War was a long conflict between England and France that arose over claims to the French throne and resulted in France becoming the dominant power in western Europe by 1453. The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Hundred Years' War was a prolonged conflict between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453. The war began when the French king Charles IV died without a direct heir, leading to England's king, Edward III—who was related to the French royal family—claiming to be the rightful heir to the French crown.
Despite intermittent truces, the war spanned over a century, with England initially dominating due to their disciplined infantry armies and the advantage of the longbow. However, as the war progressed, new military technologies like firearms and gunpowder came into play, making the traditional feudal cavalry obsolete.
Ultimately, France emerged as the dominant power in western Europe after the conclusion of the war in 1453. The correct option is a.