What were some new technologies used in the Hundred Years' War?

The Hundred Years’ War took place intermittently between 1337 and 1453 CE, and it is commonly divided into three phases, which were separated by long truces: the Edwardian War (1337–1360), the Caroline War (1369–1389), and the Lancastrian War (1415–1453). The war included a variety of factions from across Western Europe, but was predominantly fought between the kingdoms of England and France.

Due to the war’s prolonged duration, a range of significant military technologies emerged and gained widespread adoption.

The English invented their famous Longbow, which allowed archers to fire with relative accuracy at ranges over 200 yards, piercing armor and undermining the use of heavy cavalry. They were well documented for their effectiveness during the battles of Crécy (1346), Poitiers (1356), and Agincourt (1415).

Early gunpowder weapons also gained greater use during the 13th and 14th centuries in Europe, though they were invented hundreds of years earlier in China. “Hand cannons” existed, but were generally less inaccurate and therefore less significant than bombards and full-sized cannons, which were used to break sieges and castle walls, thus making medieval fortifications more obsolete. Later in the war, the French army under Charles VII became known for its use of artillery.

Improved warships and naval innovations were also a notable advance during the Hundred Years’ War. Specialized warships designed to transport troops rapidly and to allow for shipborne longbow volleys became decisive factors in various battles, such as the Battle of Sluys (1340).

Finally, while not a “technology” in the traditional sense, the Hundred Years’ War saw the birth of an organizational innovation, the professional “standing” army. Charles VII of France established the first permanent standing army in Europe since the Roman Empire. Standardized equipment and training for an army under direct royal control enhanced military capabilities compared to the traditional feudal and mercenary armies, giving the French military a significant advantage.