History The Hundred Years War Questions
During the Hundred Years War, the key military strategies used by both the English and the French included the following:
1. Longbowmen: The English relied heavily on their skilled longbowmen, who were able to shoot arrows with great accuracy and range. This gave them a significant advantage in battles, especially against the French knights.
2. Defensive fortifications: Both sides built and fortified castles, fortresses, and towns to protect their territories. These defensive structures played a crucial role in controlling and defending key positions.
3. Siege warfare: Both the English and the French frequently used siege warfare to capture enemy strongholds. This involved surrounding a castle or town, cutting off supplies, and launching attacks to weaken the defenders until they surrendered.
4. Naval warfare: The English utilized their powerful navy to control the English Channel and disrupt French trade routes. This allowed them to launch naval raids and support their land campaigns.
5. Guerrilla tactics: The French employed guerrilla tactics, known as chevauchée, to harass and weaken the English forces. They would conduct quick raids, burning crops, villages, and disrupting supply lines.
6. Mercenaries: Both sides hired mercenaries to bolster their armies. These professional soldiers were often skilled in various forms of warfare and provided additional strength and expertise.
7. Diplomatic alliances: Both the English and the French sought alliances with other European powers to gain military support and resources. These alliances played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the war.
Overall, the Hundred Years War witnessed a combination of traditional medieval warfare tactics, such as knights and sieges, alongside the emergence of new strategies, such as the use of longbowmen and naval warfare.