History The Hundred Years War Questions Medium
During the Hundred Years War, several key military tactics were employed by both the English and French forces. These tactics played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the war.
1. Longbowmen: The English army heavily relied on their longbowmen, who were skilled archers capable of shooting arrows over long distances with great accuracy. The longbow was a powerful weapon that could penetrate armor, and the English effectively used massed formations of longbowmen to rain down arrows on the enemy, causing significant casualties and disrupting their formations.
2. Defensive fortifications: Both sides constructed and utilized various defensive fortifications, such as castles, forts, and fortified towns. These structures provided strategic advantages, allowing the defending forces to hold their ground and withstand sieges. The English, in particular, built a network of fortresses in France, known as the "English Pale," to maintain control over their territories.
3. Siege warfare: Siege warfare played a significant role during the Hundred Years War. Both sides employed various tactics to capture or defend fortified positions. Siege towers, battering rams, and mining were commonly used to breach or undermine walls, while defenders relied on boiling oil, arrows, and other defensive measures to repel attackers. The successful sieges of cities like Calais and Orleans had a profound impact on the outcome of the war.
4. Cavalry charges: The French heavily relied on their armored knights and cavalry charges. These heavily armored knights, known as men-at-arms, formed the backbone of the French army. They would charge at the enemy with lances, attempting to break their formations and create chaos. The French cavalry was particularly effective in open-field battles, where their superior numbers and heavy armor gave them an advantage.
5. Naval warfare: The Hundred Years War also witnessed significant naval engagements, especially during the early stages. Both sides utilized fleets to transport troops, supplies, and conduct raids along the coastlines. Naval battles were fought using various tactics, including boarding enemy ships, ramming, and archery from ship decks.
Overall, the key military tactics employed during the Hundred Years War included the effective use of longbowmen, defensive fortifications, siege warfare, cavalry charges, and naval engagements. These tactics played a crucial role in determining the outcome of battles and shaping the course of the war.