[Flag_This]

"But the crossbow didn't have as much range as the longbow, and the French knights were trying to close the gap and overrun the English longbowmen."

The entire French "plan" was stupid. They had thousands of infantry that they shoved into the back of their lines and who basically sat out the fight. Those guys could have been sent through the woods to engage the English left flank. The crossbowman could have been pushed forward to compensate for their lesser range. If nothing else, it would have forced the English bowmen to divide their attention and their arrows. Instead, they just charged straight up the middle (three times, I think).

Please excuse my 20/20 hind-sight generalship. I swear, I just don't understand how the English lost the 100 Years War...

[rmlew]

The French learned from experience and also bought the support of the Burgondians. French nationalism and population beat English tactical advantages.

[zot]

The entire French "plan" was stupid.

I agree. It seems to have been based on the arrogance of their armored knights.

[dsc]

“I swear, I just don’t understand how the English lost the 100 Years War...”

Ever read Mark Twain’s version of the story of Joan of Arc? It’s available free on line.