g. medieval warefare questions Flashcards
what was the statute of Winchester 1285
It stated the every man should have weapons and be ready to fight to catch criminals or in times of war ( this was a change as previous kinds relied on feudal services)
How did Edward I change the composition of his armies?
He shifted away from the feudal system’s reliance on unpaid noble levies.
He increasingly used paid soldiers, creating a more professional army. This allowed for longer campaigns and more reliable forces.
This included the increasing use of the longbow, and professional infantry.
What changes did Edward I bring to the use of cavalry?
While still important, Edward I recognized the limitations of heavy cavalry against well-organized infantry.
He emphasized the importance of coordinated tactics, combining cavalry charges with supporting infantry, especially longbowmen.
He understood the importance of cavalry in scouting and pursuing defeated enemies.
How did Edward I utilize infantry specialists?
He heavily invested in the longbow, creating highly effective archer units.
Longbowmen became crucial for weakening enemy formations before cavalry charges or infantry assaults.
He understood the longbows ability to take down heavily armoured knights.
He understood the importance of well trained infantry, and that they could be decisive.
What advancements did Edward I make in siege warfare?
He was a master of siege warfare, building and utilizing powerful siege engines like the trebuchet.
He constructed numerous impressive castles (e.g., in Wales) to control conquered territories.
He was very thorough in his seiges, and was very good at castle building and defense.
What was the purpose of a trebuchet in a medieval siege?
To hurl large stones or other projectiles at castle walls, attempting to breach them.
To demoralize defenders and damage fortifications.
Edward I used them effectively in his Welsh campaigns.
Name three key siege tactics used by Edward I.
- Mining/Undermining: Digging tunnels to collapse castle walls.
- Siege Engines: Employing trebuchets, battering rams, and siege towers.
- Blockade/Starvation: Cutting off supplies to force surrender.
- Building Castles: Building castles to control the conquered territories.
Why were castles so important in Edward I’s campaigns?
They served as strategic strongholds, controlling conquered territories.
They acted as centers of administration and military power.
They provided defensive positions against rebellions.
What were the effects of a long siege on the people inside the castle?
Shortages of food and water.
Spread of disease.
Psychological stress and fear.
Potential for surrender or violent assault.
What was the purpose of a battering ram?
To break down gates or walls of a castle.
To create an entry point for attackers.
They were often protected by a covering to protect the attackers from being attacked from above.
what was the job of the cavalry
well armed and highly trained with job was to charge and destroy the infantry, breaking the opposition forces
what was the infantry
usually made up of archers and foot soldiers. The archers expected to stop the cavalry with bows and arrows. Foot soldiers expected to fight with swords and shields often using tactics like schiltrons and long wooden spikes
