How did English longbowmen help win the Battle of Agincourt?

At the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, English longbowmen were instrumental in securing victory against a significantly larger French force. Their contribution was defined by several key tactical advantages:1

• Effective Range and Volume: Positioned in wedges on the flanks of the English army, the archers utilized longbows with an effective range of up to 250 yards. As the French advanced, they were subjected to a continuous barrage of arrows, which inflicted heavy casualties and slowed their progress across the muddy, rain-soaked terrain.1
• Defensive Innovation: To protect against cavalry charges, the archers drove sharpened stakes into the ground at an angle in front of their positions. This innovative technique prevented the French cavalry from overwhelming them.1
• Tactical Versatility: As the French lines became tightly packed and unable to maneuver effectively, the archers eventually abandoned their bows to engage in hand-to-hand combat using swords and axes alongside the men-at-arms, further contributing to the collapse of the French ranks.1

The longbow’s power and the archers' skill were decisive in neutralizing the French numerical superiority, ultimately leading to a victory that fundamentally altered the course of the Hundred Years’ War.12