jjares reviewed The Battle of Sluys: The History and Legacy of the First Major Naval Battle of the Hundred Years? War on + 3299 more book reviews
Since the battle highlighted in this story was of such a short duration, the author continued with a summary of the Hundred Years' War. I particularly enjoyed reading the results of the extended wars. Indeed, it fostered a more nationalistic bent on the populations of each country (people were clear that they were English or French after these wars). Another change occurring during these battles was the revolutionary change in Western European warfare. The British longbow effectively diminished the value of knights.
If England had lost the Battle of Sluys, France could have invaded England and possibly conquered the British people. Therefore, this was a profoundly important battle for the future of England. Moreover, with the newly founded strength of the British naval fights, it established a solid English maritime tradition. In addition, the navy was how Great Britain reaped significant financial gains in the future.
The odd thing about this 100-year conflict is that it took another 400-years for the French and English to end their adversarial roles. Sometimes, it takes a long time for old hostilities to die.
If England had lost the Battle of Sluys, France could have invaded England and possibly conquered the British people. Therefore, this was a profoundly important battle for the future of England. Moreover, with the newly founded strength of the British naval fights, it established a solid English maritime tradition. In addition, the navy was how Great Britain reaped significant financial gains in the future.
The odd thing about this 100-year conflict is that it took another 400-years for the French and English to end their adversarial roles. Sometimes, it takes a long time for old hostilities to die.
