Mercenaries of the 100 Year War - Stuff That I Find Interesting

The video discusses the use of mercenaries in Europe, highlighting their destructive impact during peacetime. It explains the French efforts to establish a professional standing army, which was revolutionary at the time, and contrasts this with England's slower adoption of a similar system. The French reforms included new taxes and recruitment strategies, paving the way for a centralized state. In England, the creation of a standing army was controversial and linked to fears of authoritarianism.

What was a common activity of mercenaries during times of peace in medieval Europe?

• They traveled to the New World.

• They joined the royal army.

• They became farmers.

• They engaged in pillaging and robbery.

What was the French strategy to reduce the destructiveness of mercenaries?

• They created a professional standing army.

• They hired more foreign mercenaries.

• They banned all mercenaries.

• They increased the number of mercenaries.

What was a significant change introduced to support the new French army?

• The army was disbanded.

• Mercenaries were given land.

• The king abdicated.

• A new tax was introduced.

How did the French incentivize civilians to join the army as archers?

• By promising royal titles.

• By offering land grants.

• By giving them gold.

• By providing tax exemptions.

What was a reason for the slow adoption of a standing army in England?

• Geographical isolation.

• Political and religious concerns.

• Fear of foreign invasion.

• Lack of resources.