319: Hundred Years' War: Triumph of the Longbow (Part 2)

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," the hosts explore the early days of the Hundred Years' War, highlighting Edward III's strategic genius and military innovations. Despite England's limited resources, Edward crafted a clever strategy that included economic blockades, advanced longbow technology, and key naval victories like Sluys, which allowed him to dominate the English Channel and engage the French forces. His bold claim to the French throne was more of a tactical maneuver than the sole reason for the conflict. The episode reaches a thrilling climax with the Battle of Crécy, where the English achieved a remarkable victory against a much larger French army, showcasing the longbow's devastating power and Edward's strategic prowess. It wraps up with the fall of Calais and the impending threat of the Black Death, setting the stage for the next installment.