How did the hundred years war affect standing armies?

How did the Hundred Years War affect standing armies?

The Hundred Years War, a series of conflicts between England and France from 1337 to 1453, had a profound impact on the development of standing armies in Europe. Prior to the war, armies were composed of mercenaries, feudal levies, and volunteers, who would assemble for specific campaigns or battles. However, the Hundred Years War saw the emergence of standing armies, which would change the face of warfare forever.

The Rise of Standing Armies

Prior to the Hundred Years War, armies were assembled ad hoc for specific campaigns. The French army, for example, was composed of mercenaries, feudal levies, and volunteers, who would gather for specific battles. This system had its limitations, as armies were often slow to assemble and lacked a sense of cohesion.

Table 1: Types of Armies Prior to the Hundred Years War

The Hundred Years War, however, saw the emergence of standing armies, which were composed of permanent, professional soldiers who were paid a salary and equipped with standardized weapons. These armies were more effective and efficient than their predecessors, as they were able to train and fight as a cohesive unit.

Key Factors Contributing to the Emergence of Standing Armies

Several factors contributed to the emergence of standing armies during the Hundred Years War:

• Technological Advancements: The introduction of firearms, siege engines, and other technological advancements made warfare more complex and required more specialized troops.

• Increased Centralization: The growth of nation-states and the centralization of power led to the creation of more efficient and effective military organizations.

• Economic Changes: The rise of trade and commerce created new economic opportunities, allowing for the establishment of permanent armies.

Impact on Standing Armies

The Hundred Years War had a profound impact on standing armies, leading to:

• Professionalization: Standing armies were composed of professional soldiers who were trained and equipped for warfare.

• Standardization: Armies began to standardize their equipment, tactics, and uniforms.

• Increased Mobility: Standing armies were more mobile and able to march long distances, allowing for rapid deployment and response to changing circumstances.

• Greater Logistics: Standing armies required more extensive logistical support, including supply chains and communication networks.

Effects on Military Strategy

The emergence of standing armies during the Hundred Years War also had a significant impact on military strategy:

• Defensive Warfare: Standing armies enabled armies to adopt a more defensive posture, as they were able to hold ground and wait for the enemy to attack.

• Mobility and Maneuver: Standing armies allowed armies to move quickly and respond to changing circumstances, enabling a more mobile and agile form of warfare.

• Siege Warfare: Standing armies enabled armies to engage in prolonged siege warfare, using artillery and other technologies to breach enemy fortifications.

Conclusion

The Hundred Years War had a profound impact on the development of standing armies in Europe. The emergence of professional, standardized, and mobile armies revolutionized warfare, leading to the creation of more efficient and effective military organizations. The war’s legacy can be seen in the development of modern military tactics and strategies, and its impact continues to be felt in the modern military.

References

• Sumption, J. (2015). The Hundred Years War, Vol. 3: Divided Houses. University of Pennsylvania Press.
• Fowler, K. (2001). Medieval Warfare 1000-1300. Osprey Publishing.
• Contamine, P. (2000). War in the Middle Ages. Basil Blackwell.

Note: The references provided are just a few examples of the many sources that can be used to support the arguments presented in this article.