... shows its distinct and vital role in changing warfare, all in the backdrop of the three separate categories of technological advancements to which each belongs. Among the most significant technological advancements in offensive weapons was the invention and increasing use of the longbow. Developed by the British in the late 13th century, the longbow would prove to be an invaluable technological asset throughout the Hundred Years War between Britain and France. "[The longbow] bridged the gap between the supremacy of feudal cavalry and the beginning of modern warfare.... [The weapon] gave them a decided advantage over a variety of opponents until well into the sixteenth century" (dawn of modern warfare, p 9). Until the increasingly prevalent use of gunpowder centuries later, the longbow continued to be hugely valuable. The idea behind the longbow originated from the already widely used crossbow, but the longbow would prove to be significantly more efficient. Larger ...

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