Longbow

Definition

The longbow is a type of tall, powerful bow that was used extensively during the Middle Ages, particularly by English archers in warfare. Its design allowed for greater range and accuracy compared to shorter bows, making it a game-changer in battles like those of the Hundred Years' War. The longbow’s effectiveness transformed military tactics and had lasting social and political impacts during and after the conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The longbow was typically made from yew wood and could reach lengths of six feet or more, enabling archers to shoot arrows with great force.
2. English archers were trained from a young age to use the longbow, leading to skilled marksmen who could shoot multiple arrows rapidly.
3. The Battle of Crécy in 1346 showcased the effectiveness of longbowmen, where they played a crucial role in defeating French forces despite being outnumbered.
4. Longbows contributed to the decline of armored knights on the battlefield, as their ability to penetrate armor shifted military strategies.
5. By the late 15th century, the longbow began to be replaced by firearms, which eventually changed the nature of warfare in Europe.

Review Questions

• How did the introduction of the longbow change military tactics during its use in battles?
  • The longbow introduced a new form of warfare that emphasized ranged attacks over traditional close combat. This shift allowed armies to engage enemies from a distance, reducing casualties among their own ranks. As skilled archers could shoot volleys of arrows with accuracy and speed, commanders began to adopt tactics that incorporated massed archery units, which often proved decisive in battles such as Crécy and Agincourt.
• Evaluate the social implications of the widespread use of longbows among English soldiers during the Hundred Years' War.
  • The widespread use of longbows led to significant social changes in England. It created opportunities for commoners to rise in military ranks based on their skill rather than noble birth. Archers gained respect and recognition for their contributions on the battlefield, challenging traditional notions of chivalry that placed knights at the forefront. This shift also contributed to a growing sense of national identity and pride among English citizens as they rallied around their effective archers.
• Assess how the evolution from longbows to firearms impacted military strategy and society in post-Hundred Years' War Europe.
  • The transition from longbows to firearms marked a pivotal change in military strategy and society after the Hundred Years' War. Firearms allowed for greater firepower and reduced reliance on lengthy training periods required for skilled archers. This technological shift led to changes in battlefield formations and tactics, with less emphasis on traditional cavalry charges. Furthermore, it impacted social structures by diminishing the prominence of knightly roles and encouraging centralized armies composed of professional soldiers, ultimately altering European warfare and societal hierarchies.

Related terms

crossbow: A weapon that consists of a horizontal bow mounted on a stock, allowing for easier aiming and requiring less physical strength than the longbow.

archery: The sport or skill of shooting arrows with a bow, which became highly developed during the Middle Ages, particularly in England.

knights: Mounted soldiers who were part of the feudal system, typically using heavy armor and swords in battle before the rise of ranged weapons like the longbow changed combat dynamics.