Medieval Military Historian Breaks Down Medieval Battle Tactics
From History Hit
In 1415, amidst the turmoil of the Hundred Years' War, King Henry V of England launched a military campaign against a vulnerable France ruled by the unstable King Charles VI. With a goal to unite his fractured kingdom through war, Henry gathered 12,000 men and set sail, marking the beginning of a significant confrontation that would determine the fate of the French crown.
Key Takeaways
- Henry V's playbook: unite a fractured England with a common enemy - the French crown was the prize.
- Charles VI, dubbed 'Charles the Mad,' ruled France amidst chaos, proving that sometimes madness reigns supreme in leadership.
- Siege of Harfleur: glory turned grim as disease and death claimed half Henry's troops—war's cost is often hidden.
- In battle, archers trump knights! Henry's innovative army composition turned traditional warfare on its head against French cavalry.
- From triumph to turmoil: after Harfleur, Henry faced a critical choice—boldness or retreat? History favors the audacious.
Mentioned in This Episode
- Azinor (location)
- Azinor (event)
- Azenor (book)
- Azinor (book)
- Harleur (location)
- Michael Livingston (person)
- Juliet Barker (person)
- Som (location)
- Orbony (location)
- Charles Dal (person)
- Edward III (person)