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At the beginning of the Hundred Years' War, why did the English have the advantage?

To the casual observer, it might have appeared that France had the upper hand over England at the beginning of the Hundred Years' War—and for good reason. France held at its disposal the military might and the financial resources of what was at that time the largest and most populous country in all of Western Europe.


Despite France's size and power, the English were tremendously successful at the start of the Hundred Years' War thanks to their discipline and as a result of their successful use of longbows to thwart charges by the French cavalry. The combination of the English discipline and skill with longbows rendered the attacks from the less-disciplined French unsuccessful.


Because of England's success, it was able to gain victory during some significant battles during the Hundred Years' War, including the battle at Sluys in 1340, Crecy in 1346, and Poitiers in 1356.

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