Which battle is known for the significance of longbowmen against armored knights?

The Battle of Crécy, fought in 1346 during the Hundred Years' War between England and France, is particularly known for the effective use of longbowmen against armored knights. This battle marked a pivotal moment in military history, highlighting the transition from traditional knightly warfare to the increasing importance of infantry and ranged tactics.

At Crécy, English forces, significantly outnumbered, employed longbowmen who were able to shoot arrows at great distances and at a rapid rate. The longbows had the capability to penetrate the armor of the French knights, leading to devastating effects on their cavalry charges. The battle showcased the strategic advantage that archers could provide, particularly in defensive positions. The outcome of the battle demonstrated that heavily armored knights were vulnerable to well-organized infantry tactics, revolutionizing how battles were fought in the centuries that followed.

This pivotal engagement emphasized the value of training and technique in utilizing the longbow effectively, which became a defining characteristic of English military strategy in the subsequent phases of the Hundred Years' War. The significance of the longbowmen at the Battle of Crécy laid the groundwork for the decline of the dominance of armored cavalry on the battlefield, shifting the focus towards more versatile and mobile infantry forces.