Warfare 1200-1500

• What was a key characteristic of warfare between 1250 and 1500 regarding weapons?

  Many of the same weapons were used in 1500 as in 1250.
• How was battle typically won during the period of 1250 to 1500?

  Battle was won by hand-to-hand fighting among foot soldiers.
• What new weapons emerged that changed the character of fighting on the battlefield?

  The longbow and cannon changed the character of fighting.
• What urgent change occurred in recruitment during this period?

  The need for troops in France brought an urgent change to recruitment.
• How was the change in warfare characterized during this period?

  Change was gradual with improvements in science and technology.
• What significant event occurred in the 1290s related to weaponry?

  The introduction of the longbow occurred in the 1290s.
• What discovery was made in the 1300s that impacted warfare?

  The discovery of gunpowder occurred in the 1300s.
• What does the term "composition" refer to in the context of warfare?

  Composition refers to what something is made up of.
• What is a strategy in the context of warfare?

  A strategy is a plan of action designed to achieve an overall aim.
• What does "melee" refer to in warfare?

  Melee refers to infantry engaged in hand-to-hand fighting.
• What is a "mounted charge" in the context of warfare?

  A mounted charge refers to charging on horseback.
• What does "rout and chase" mean in military terms?

  Rout and chase means to force a retreat and follow them.
• What are schiltrons in warfare?

  Schiltrons are a hedgehog-like formation of staff weapons.
• What is a siege in military terms?

  A siege is when a town is surrounded to starve the population into surrendering.
• What is a cannon in the context of warfare?

  A cannon is a large, heavy gun that uses gunpowder.
• What is the firing capability of a longbow?

  A longbow could fire 15 arrows a minute at a range of 200 meters.
• What is a halberd?

  A halberd is a combined spear and battle-axe.
• What is a lance used for?

  A lance is a pole weapon designed to be used by a mounted knight.
• How did changes in society affect recruitment methods during the period of 1250-1500?

  The decline of feudalism changed recruitment methods.
• What was the Statute of Winchester, enacted in 1285?

  • Required all fit men aged 16 to 60 to muster once a year
  • Mustering was for military service
• What happened in 1337 regarding military recruitment?

  The feudal levy and Assize of arms fell away in favor of soldiers being paid for their service.
• What does the term "feudal levy" refer to?

  Taxes paid towards the army.
• What is an "indenture" in the context of warfare?

  A local agreement or contract.
• Who are "feudal troops"?

  People who fight for the army for 40 days a year.
• What are "mercenaries"?

  People who are paid to fight.
• What does "mustered" mean in a military context?

  Assembled troops.
• What is "scutage"?

  Money paid instead of military service.
• What does "requisitioning" refer to?

  The taking of goods by the army for use from their citizens.
• What is "plunder" in the context of warfare?

  Goods stolen from the enemy.
• What are "raids"?

  Surprise attacks on an enemy area.
• What are "ransoms" in a military context?

  Holding someone or something to be released for a price.
• What does "feudal" refer to?

  A system of loyalty based on landownership.
• Who does the term "nobility" refer to in the context of warfare?

  Higher class men who led armies.