History The Hundred Years War Questions Medium
During the Hundred Years War, both English and French peasants played significant roles, although their experiences and contributions differed.
In England, the peasants were heavily impacted by the war. Many were conscripted into the English army, forced to leave their homes and families to fight. They served as foot soldiers, archers, and even as part of the cavalry. The English relied on their longbowmen, who were predominantly peasants, to deliver devastating blows to the French forces. The peasants faced harsh conditions on the battlefield, often lacking proper training and equipment, and suffered heavy casualties.
On the other hand, French peasants faced a different set of challenges. The war brought devastation to the French countryside, as English armies frequently pillaged and burned villages and crops. Peasants were forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in fortified towns and cities. They also faced heavy taxation imposed by the French monarchy to fund the war effort. Despite these hardships, French peasants played a crucial role in supporting the French army. They provided supplies, such as food and weapons, to the soldiers and helped in the construction and maintenance of fortifications.
Additionally, both English and French peasants were affected by the war's economic consequences. The conflict disrupted trade routes and agricultural production, leading to inflation and scarcity of resources. Peasants often struggled to make a living and faced increased poverty and social unrest.
Overall, the roles of English and French peasants in the Hundred Years War were shaped by their involvement in the military, their experiences of devastation and displacement, and their contributions to the war effort through support and provision of resources.