Agincourt Flashcards
Why did Henry V invade France?
Success abroad would lead to securing his position at home
National pride - wanted to regain land that England had held
Benefits of winning battles - land etc
Wanted to be king of France - genuinely believed he had rights in France due to ancient hereditary claim to throne
When did the battle of Agincourt take place?
October (25th (?)) 1415
Why was the Battle fairly unexpected for the French?
Battles usually happens during summer
What is chivalry?
Have to be personally brave regardless of circumstances - not tactics - would have King at the front where he would be in most danger
How did the victory at Agincourt change ideas about chivalry?
Showed that chivalry would not allow you to win a battle against a skilled army
Who was chaplain to Henry V?
John Stevens
Who was the French commander?
Martial Boucicault
What type of soldier was the French army almost exclusively composed of?
Knights
Why was the English army at an advantage because they had long-bowmen?
English long bowmen had fearsome reputation.
How did Henry recruit some of his longbowmen?
Empties prisons of anyone who could handle a bow well - low class but hardened people on their side
How did the archers become so skilled?
By 1415, archery practice = compulsory on Sundays
Why was the French army so formidable?
Outnumbered English - approx 2500 French Knights
French Knights equipped with newest armour etc
How were the French weakened by factions?
Armagnac and Burgundy factions hate each other more than they hate the English
What important port did the English manage to take and how and when did they take it?
Port of Harfleur
5 week siege - captains of Harfleur captured, surrendered and allowed to go free on the condition that they return to the English when the battle = over for ransom - they did this - shows importance of chivalry
14th August 1415
When and where did France’s nobles gather ready for battle?
Rouen
September 1415
Thousands arrive - above expectations
How many townsfolk in Paris signed up to fight the English and why did they not end up fighting?
6000
Only want nobles on army - shun help of peasants
Duke of Barbant’s part in the battle?
Defied his family in fighting in the battle - wanted to prove that he deserved his victory and wanted the glorious victory
How did the English treat French civilians? Why?
Went through villages pillaging, torturing etc
Trying to demoralize French
Why were the English army losing large numbers of men before the battle of Agincourt?
Campaign = 4 weeks behind schedule and winter coming - short on food - reduced to getting sea fish from polluted water - epidemic of dysentery (the bloody flux) - 1/4 Henry’s army died
Why was it a problem having Boucicault as the commander of the French army?
Not the highest born - born a commoner - got to his position through skill and talent, however nobles felt that he was below them - less inclined to follow his commands
In what ways was Henry V’s organisation of his campaign advanced?
recruitment-like centers where men could sign up to fight
paid troops
extremely well organised
tried to make sure troops = watered and fed
What did Henry V’s troops have to eat instead of meat and bread?
nuts and leaves
When and how did the French and English meet for the battle?
English trying to get to safety of Calais, find shortcut across the River Somme, Boucicault guessed they would do this and cut them off
What was the French plan in the battle?
Attack English from all sides - English would not have advantage of Bowbek
