Explain one way in which the impact of warfare on civilians during the period c1250-c1500 was similar to the impact of warfare on civilians during the period c1900–present. - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 1

One significant way in which the impact of warfare on civilians during the periods c1250-c1500 and c1900-present is the displacement of populations due to conflict.

During the earlier period, warfare, particularly in places like the Hundred Years' War, led to the destruction of villages and forced people to flee their homes to seek safety in more secure areas. This displacement often resulted in increased hardship for civilians, as they were separated from their livelihoods, faced shortages of food, and encountered hostility in unfamiliar territories.

Similarly, during the 20th century, particularly in World War I and II, the relentless bombing campaigns and military offensives caused millions to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. Civilians were not just collateral damage of war; they became active victims of policies that aimed at inflicting as much pain on the enemy's civilian population as possible. Thus, both historical contexts highlight the tragic and often overlooked reality that civilians bear the brunt of warfare.