History The Hundred Years War Questions
The Hundred Years War contributed to the decline of chivalry in several ways. Firstly, the war was characterized by the use of new military tactics and technologies, such as the longbow, which made traditional chivalric warfare less effective. The English army, for example, relied heavily on longbowmen who were not considered knights and did not adhere to chivalric ideals.
Secondly, the prolonged and brutal nature of the war led to a shift in focus from chivalric ideals of honor and courtesy to more pragmatic and ruthless strategies. Both the English and French armies resorted to pillaging, looting, and targeting civilian populations, which went against the principles of chivalry.
Additionally, the war saw the rise of professional armies and mercenaries, who fought for financial gain rather than noble ideals. This further undermined the traditional chivalric code, as these soldiers were not bound by the same moral obligations as knights.
Overall, the Hundred Years War challenged and ultimately weakened the institution of chivalry by introducing new military tactics, emphasizing pragmatism over honor, and diminishing the role of knights in warfare.