Arizona State University (ASU) HST102 Europe and the Mediterranean: Ancient and Medieval Practice Exam

The Hundred Years' War, fought from 1337 to 1453 between England and France, is historically significant largely due to the transformation it brought to military technology and tactics. During this period, advancements such as the longbow, which gave English archers a significant advantage, began to make the traditional knight and the feudal system of warfare increasingly obsolete. This shift in military strategy highlighted the declining effectiveness of heavily armored knights who were once the backbone of medieval armies.

Furthermore, the war also contributed to changes in political structures and social dynamics within both England and France, as the reliance on infantry and new technologies changed recruitment and battle strategies. The decline of feudalism was accelerated as states began to centralize power, which also reflected broader social and economic shifts occurring within Europe during this time. Thus, the emphasis on new military technology and the strategic impacts of the Hundred Years' War profoundly influenced warfare, contributing to the eventual rise of modern nation-states.