Leadership Decisions and What They Reveal About Warfare Flashcards

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Why did William Wallace and Andrew Moray choose to fight at Stirling Bridge?

They chose it because the bridge was narrow and the ground was soft. This cut down the size and strength of the larger English army.

How did Wallace and Moray use the timing of the English crossing to their advantage?

They waited until many English soldiers had crossed but others were still behind. Then they attacked the men over the river, trapping them before help came.

What advice about crossing the river did the English leaders ignore at Stirling Bridge?

Some advisers told Surrey to use a nearby ford or build a wider bridge. He ignored this, so his knights had to cross the narrow, risky bridge in single file.

What leadership mistake did the English make in the way they managed troops on the bridge?

They let their men cross in a long thin line with no strong guard at either end. This split the army, so soldiers on one side could not quickly help those on the other.

Which order did the Earl of Surrey give during the battle that caused chaos on the bridge?

He ordered some of his men to turn back and recross the bridge. This blocked the way and added to panic as others tried to flee.

How did Hugh de Cressingham influence the English decision to attack quickly?

He was in charge of royal money in Scotland and wanted the war over quickly. He urged Surrey to attack at once, which led to a rushed and careless crossing.

How did Wallace’s leadership help Scottish infantry defeat the English knights at Stirling Bridge?

He kept his spearmen in tight groups and told them to hold their ground. On the soft, crowded land near the bridge, charging knights could not break these lines.

What do Wallace and Moray’s decisions at Stirling Bridge show about the role of terrain in medieval warfare?

They show that good leaders used rivers, bridges and boggy ground as weapons. By choosing the right place, they could weaken a stronger enemy before the fighting even began.

What do the English leaders’ choices at Stirling Bridge show about their views of heavy cavalry?

They still trusted armoured knights on horseback as their main attacking force. They sent knights onto ground where horses could not move well, which proved very costly.

What does the Battle of Stirling Bridge reveal about changes in warfare under Edward I?

It shows that well led foot soldiers with long spears and good plans could beat mounted knights. Careful leadership and local knowledge were becoming as important as noble birth and horsemen.

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