The 600th Anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt

A series of disputes—notably the question of the legitimate succession to the French crown—launched the Hundred Years’ War between England and France in 1337. One of the conflict’s most-notable battles was on the muddy ground at Agincourt, France, on October 25, 1415. Copiously armed with longbows (5,000 out of the 6,000 English troops were bowmen, according to some sources), the English army, led brilliantly by Henry V, soundly defeated French forces, despite being significantly outmanned. Widely considered one of England’s greatest military triumphs, it was celebrated in songs, stories, and plays, most notably Shakespeare’s Henry V, which featured the memorable “Once more unto the breach, dear friends” speech the king used to rally his army. However, despite winning this battle, England ultimately lost the war, which ended in 1453 after France had reclaimed most of its territory.

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1. How many soldiers fought in the Battle of Agincourt?
2. How did Henry V die?
3. Who was on the British throne when the Hundred Years’ War began?