composition of army

• What was England involved in from c1250 to c1500?

  Wars, including civil war and wars with France
• Why were armies fundamental to medieval English society?

  Because England was frequently at war
• What were the two main components of armies?

  Infantry and mounted knights
• Who made up the majority on the battlefield?

  Infantry were the majority
• How were infantry equipped compared to mounted knights?

  Infantry were poorly equipped
• What weapons did infantry use?

  Bows, swords, pikes, and other weapons
• What type of protection did infantry have?

  Leather jackets
• How were mounted knights characterized?

  They were strong and well equipped
• What weapons did mounted knights carry?

  Swords, lances, helmets, and chainmail
• How many soldiers did armies typically have?

  Between 10,000 and 20,000 soldiers
• What was the typical ratio of infantry to mounted knights?

  Usually twice as many infantry
• How did the feudal structure affect army command?

  Command was held by those in superior positions
• What was the role of mounted knights on the battlefield?

  They were the most powerful force
• What was the purpose of the mounted charge?

  To weaken the enemy in the first attack
• What was the infantry's task during battle?

  To hold and defeat the enemy infantry
• What was the shield wall used for?

  To hold enemy attacks
• What was the melee in battle?

  Hand-to-hand fighting with various weapons
• What role did archers play in battle?

  They shot arrows effectively
• How did the feudal system organize society?

  Based on people's roles and service
• What did soldiers provide in the feudal system?

  Their own equipment and provisions
• What happened when the feudal system began to break down?

  Kings paid for soldiers, called mercenaries
• What was more important than combat experience in the feudal system?

  A person's social status
• How did the quality of leadership vary in the feudal system?

  It varied due to social status over skills