Why was it difficult to build a medieval army? Flashcards
1
Q
What is the size and composition of medieval armies in 1250
A
- Armies ranged from 5000 to 10K men.
- Mounted knights came from wealthy landowners, they wear helmets.
- Most soldiers are infantry drawn from the peasantry.
2
Q
What is feudal system
A
Introduced by William 1 in 1066
3
Q
List 2
Why the feudal system is breaking down in 1200.
A
- Feudal System made barons very powerful, and had private armies that rebelled against the monarch.
- As soldiers only had to serve for 40 days, it was hard to sustain large army for longer campaigns.
4
Q
List 2
What changes of recruitment had been made in 1250
A
- Knights could pay scutage (tax). This provided monarch an income and meant that they could pay for mercenaries (professional soldiers)
- Henry 2 issued the Assise of Arms in 1182, obliging all freemen (men with land) to possess and bear arms in service of the king. This created a pool of armed men that king could call upon without taxation. Henry 3 strengthen the Assise of Arms in 1252, appointing constables to summon men in each area and put down disorder.
5
Q
Was the recruitment in 1250 effective?
A
NO
6
Q
What was traning for warfare like in 1250s?
A
- Training for warfare was limited
- There was no organised training for infantry soldiers.
- Knights prepare by taking part in tournaments that focused on individual skill rather than the ability to fight as a disciplined group.
7
Q
Why was provisioning difficult in 1250s
A
Roads were mud tracks and rivers had few bridges.
8
Q
What was provisioning like in 1250s
A
- Men bring their own supplies for 1st 40 days. Kings pay for baggage train (supplies) to follow the army or sent food ahead to be stored in depots.
- Armies often plunder in enemy teritory.
9
Q
What system does William 1 introduced in 1066
A
Feudal system
