1250 - 1500 Warfare through Time Flashcards
What was the composition of the army in 1250 - 1500?
Made up of infantry and cavalry
What were the specific roles of the composition in the army?
Mounted knights would charge through enemy lines aiming to scatter infantry
Infantry would hold formations in shield walls where they would overlap spears and shields and then attack hand to hand with daggers
What were the new weapons and formations brought through in 1250 - 1500? (3)
In 1290, Longbows were introduced to the English army, they had a quicker fire rate than the bows and they had a better range and could pierce chainmail.
The Scots under William Wallace used schiltrons which were tight groups of infantry in a circle or square with pikes facing outwards towards the enemy
By 1450, following the arrival of gunpowder, cannons became a standard siege weapon
Why did the arrival of gunpowder affect the design of castles?
Castles became vulnerable to cannon fire and they could break down the castle walls easily where there would be a high concentration of people
What were some of the challenges of the cannon? (5)
Heavy
Expensive
Short Range
Long reload time
Faulty fire rate
What caused the decline of the mounted knight?
Longbows became more effective at taking down knights on horseback
Infantry became more favoured as schiltrons increased in importance
Describe 4 things about the recruitment of Knights in this period?
Feudal Levy meant that had to provide the king with 40 days worth of knight’s service
Assize of arms required all free men to own and maintain weapons
Scutage meant that some choose to ‘pay off’ the king to not serve which allowed him to hire mercenaries
Royal Household were permanent troops paid by the king
Describe 4 things about the recruitment of Infantry in this period?
Plunder became a motive
Statute of Winchester meant all fit men had to muster at least once a year
Commissioners of Array where sent out to inspect these weapons
Infantry soon got paid for service as scutage increased
What were 4 effects upon civilians?
Often had refusal and desertion due to forced service
Scutage became popular
Had to provide equipment
Had to provide food which was bough off them by army for low prices
What were 2 effects upon enemy civilians?
Sieges caused large amounts of suffering
Plunder meant that some were starved and some demanded ransom from the enemies for protection
