How did the English win many battles during the Hundred Years’ War:
The English were able to win many battles during the Hundred Years' War due to a combination of several factors. Here's an explanation of the main factors that contributed to their success:
1. Longbow: One of the key advantages the English had was their extensive use of the longbow. The English longbowmen were highly trained and skilled archers who could shoot arrows with incredible speed and accuracy over long distances. This gave them a significant advantage over the French, who relied more on traditional infantry tactics. The longbow was instrumental in devastating the French ranks in battles such as Crécy, Poitiers, and Agincourt.
To get a more detailed understanding of the longbow's impact, one can consult historical accounts, primary sources, and scholarly books about the Hundred Years' War. These sources will provide insights into the training and tactics of English longbowmen, as well as the specific battles where the longbow played a crucial role.
2. Leadership: The English also benefitted from strong leadership during the war. This included skilled military commanders such as Edward III, Henry V, and Edward, the Black Prince. These commanders possessed strategic vision, tactical acumen, and were able to inspire their soldiers. Their leadership played a crucial role in planning and executing successful military campaigns.
To learn more about the leadership qualities and tactics employed by English commanders during the Hundred Years' War, biographies, historical accounts, and military strategy books would provide helpful information.
3. French Disunity: The French war effort was hampered by internal conflicts and disputes over the French throne. The English took advantage of this disunity by supporting rival claimants and exploiting the resulting political turmoil. The unstable political situation in France allowed the English to gain significant territorial and strategic advantages.
Further understanding of the political landscape in France during the Hundred Years' War can be gained by studying historical records, political documents, and books on medieval French history.
4. Siege Warfare: The English excelled in siege warfare, employing innovative tactics and technology to capture or lay siege to French strongholds. Examples of this include the capture of Calais in 1347 and the successful sieges of Harfleur and Rouen by Henry V.
To delve deeper into the tactics and technology utilized by the English in siege warfare, one can refer to accounts of specific sieges during the Hundred Years' War, military manuals, and historical studies on medieval siege warfare.
In summary, the English achieved success in many battles during the Hundred Years' War due to factors such as the effective use of the longbow, strong leadership, French disunity, and expertise in siege warfare.