During 1211and 1212, John I Lackland forged a coalition with counts of Flanders and Boulogne, and with the deposed emperor Otto IV. The English king not only financing most of the coalition, but he also devised the grand strategy for the campaign of 1214 to defeat Philippe II. The plan called for John Lackland to launch an invasion into France from the southwest. This would be either a serious advance to reclaim lost Angevin lands, or a strategic diversion into the Loire valley with the initial goal of drawing the French royal army south. In the meantime, the German Emperor, Otto IV, with his Flemish and English contingents would invade France from the Flemish frontier, and drive toward Paris. By the end of 1213, John Lackland was prepared to take his revenge against Philippe II.

Next issue: Part 2 The Campaign and Battle of Bouvines

More Battle of Bouvines Part 1: The 'War' of Bouvines (1202-1214)

Preface and Background
Emergence of the Angevin 'Empire'
Preliminaries and Initial Operations
Papal, Empire, and Flemish Factions
John Lackland's Coalition Against Philipp II