Was the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 a turning point in Medieval warfare?

Learning objective – to be able to identify the significance of the Battle of Agincourt in trends in Medieval warfare. I can describe the key changes and continuities shown in the Battle of Agincourt. Grade 3 I can explain the key changes and continuities shown in the Battle of Agincourt. Grade 6 I can explain and assess changes and continuities shown in the Battle of Agincourt. Grade 9

Why did the Battle of Agincourt take place in 1415? English Medieval kings had long claimed the throne of France as their own. This sparked the Hundred Years War [1337-1453] between England and France with England trying to force their claim as Kings of France. As part of this war, Henry V led a campaign to try and seize the French Crown in 1415. Henry decided to invade northern France and capture and control settlements and castles in a campaign of speed and movement. In August 1415, Henry landed on the north coast and besieged Harfleur which he took in 5 weeks. Henry decided to march to Calais along the north coast. Blighted by dysentery and pursued by the French., Henry’s march to Calais was blocked at Agincourt where he was forced to stand and fight the French.

How did the English and Scots forces compare? English forces 2,000 cavalry 6,000 infantry – the vast majority were longbowmen. Led by Henry V and supported by nobles. The vast majority of soldiers were indentured and any booty was shared equally between infantry, nobles and the Crown. French forces 10,000 cavalry 5,000 infantry – majority were archers – combination of longbow and crossbow. Led by Charles d’Albret – a nobleman.

How did Henry V choose an advantageous battlefield position? Although he did not choose the battlefield, Henry V was able to make the best use of it in a number of ways. Henry V placed his army across a narrow gap in the valley between two woods. The woods sheltered and gave cover to his archers, who were on either side of his knights at the centre of the formation. There was heavy ploughed land between the English and French forces, which was difficult to cross in a cavalry charge. Henry ordered heavy sharp wooden spikes to be hammered down in front of his battleline so that it would slow any French cavalry charge.

How did Henry provoke the French to attack? Outnumbered, on foreign soil and without supplies for a long campaign, Henry wanted a quick fight for any chance of a victory. Therefore, he needed to provoke the French to attack. Under the cover of the woods on either side of the battlefield, Henry ordered his longbowmen to fire at the French army. Furious and seeing this as unchivalrous, the French lost their discipline and made a cavalry charge towards the English.

Why did the French cavalry charge fail? Land was too boggy – The land was already wet and heavily ploughed, this slowed the horses down. Also, the cavalry charge churned the land up even more. Role of the longbowmen – The longbowmen were able to fire 100,000 arrows a minute into the sides and the heads of the cavalry charge. The French knights could not cope with this onslaught. Uncoordinated – Beaten back by arrows and stakes, the French cavalry retreated right into the path of their own infantry.

Why did the French infantry charge fail? Land was too boggy – The land was heavily churned the land up and it narrowed where the English line stood. This led to a crush for the French knights charging towards the enemy. The crush stopped the French knights from wielding their long double-handed swords. Equipment – The French knights were weighed down by their heavy armour. Role of the longbowmen – The longbowmen were able to pin down the infantry charge. Timing of the English infantry charge – Seeing that the French were crushed, pinned down by arrow attacks, trampled and stuck in the mud and in confusion, the English knights attacked from the front, while the archers attacked with knives from the side. The French retreated.

What were the consequences of the French defeat at Agincourt? High casualties – The French lost a significant proportion of their army – around 4,000 men. Significantly, the French lost a huge amount of their noble leaders, including the commander. Slaughtered prisoners – In the dying moments of the battle, a French force attacked the English baggage train but were soon captured. Knowing he did not have enough men to keep them prisoner and wanting to deter any future attacks, Henry ordered the French prisoners to be slaughtered. A very controversial decision. Maintaining the French campaign – Victory at Agincourt allowed for Henry to press home his claim as King of France. He was recognised as their heir to the French Crown but soon died.

Why did the English manage to defeat the French at Agincourt? Positioning of the armies – The English were able to choose the ideal defensive position. French tactics – The French relied too much on their cavalry, underusing their infantry and archers. French indiscipline – Angered by the English tactics, the French cavalry lost their heads and charged when they were at a disadvantage. The longbow – The use of the English longbow was decisive.

Was Henry V a good commander? Yes Showed great leadership and fought alongside his men. He chose the ideal defensive position. He provoked the French to attack using his longbowmen. His deployment of cavalry and archers. Edward I His march across northern France was risky and weakened his army. He did not choose to fight and was trapped into a direct battle.

Organise the following statements under the following headings – Tactics, Composition of the Armies and Leaders. Henry V was supported by his nobles and fought alongside his men. The English infantry were mostly made up of longbowmen. The English hammered large stakes in front of the battle line in order to slow any French cavalry charge. The English chose the ideal defensive position on the battlefield. Henry V used his longbowmen to provoke the French into a foolhardy cavalry charge. The onslaught of the English longbows forced the French cavalry to retreat into the path of their infantry. The French cavalry was ill disciplined. French knights were weighed down by their armour in very boggy ground. The French were led by a nobleman – Charles d’Albret The French relied too much on a cavalry charge and barely used their infantry and archers. The French had a significantly larger army than the English. The English infantry charge was well-timed with the knights attacking from the front and the archers at the flanks.

Questions to consider Which was the most significant reason to explain why the French lost the Battle of Agincourt – Failure of French tactics. English longbowmen. Ill-discipline of French troops. Henry V decisions? Which was the most important decision made by Henry V to have helped him win the Battle of Agincourt? Use of longbows. Timing of the English cavalry charge. Hammering stakes in the English front line. Choice of position on the battlefield?

Plenary – My Brain Subheading – My Brain Draw an outline of your brain. Fill your drawn brain with all the things you have learnt in this lesson. This can be in the form of key words, drawings, bullet points, lists – anything you like so long as it summarises your learning and that others can understand it.