Change in Medieval Warfare

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What Caused Change in Medieval Warfare?

Across all four periods, it is important to assess the role of different factors in causing change.

Causes of change

The main factors considered are:
- Science, technology, communications, government, individuals and the attitudes in society.
In medieval society, the King’s power was central and therefore was behind many changes in warfare.

Science, technology and communications

Development of the longbow in 1290.
Development of gunpowder.

Governments and individuals

Edward I - successful use of longbows at Falkirk meant longbows were commonly used.
Edward III - implementation of the 1363 law that dictated all men spend 1 hour on a Sunday practising their longbow skills.
Growing bureaucracy in government in the 14th century allowed practices like indentures to become more common.

Attitudes in society

As feudal loyalty declined, methods of recruiting knights and infantry were forced to change.

1Medieval Warfare c.1250-1500

1.1Medieval Warfare & Society

1.1.1Weapons

1.1.2Composition

1.1.3Recruitment & Training

1.1.4Experience of Civilians

1.1.5Case Studies

1.1.6Change in Medieval Warfare

2Early Modern Warfare c.1500-1700

2.1Early Modern Warfare & Society

2.1.1Weapons

2.1.2Composition

2.1.3Recruitment & Training

2.1.4Experience of Civilians

2.1.5Case Studies

2.1.6Change in Early Modern Warfare

3Industrial Warfare c.1700-1900

3.1The Industrial Period & Warfare

3.1.1Weapons

3.1.2Composition

3.1.3Recruitment & Training

3.1.4Experience of Civilians

3.1.5Case Studies

3.1.6Change in Industrial Period Warfare

4Modern Warfare c.1900-present

4.1Modern Warfare & Society

4.1.1Weapons

4.1.2Composition

4.1.3Recruitment & Training

4.1.4Experience of Civilians

4.1.5Case Studies

4.1.6Change in Modern Warfare

5The Historic Environment

5.1London & the Second World War, 1939-45

5.1.1London: A Target

5.1.2Preparations for War

5.1.3The Blitz

5.1.4V1 & V2 Attacks

5.1.5Impact of the Blitz

5.1.6The War Effort

5.1.7The Government

5.1.8The Royal Family

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