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In his book, The Battle of Hastings 1066, published in 2003, historian M.K - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 9
In his book, The Battle of Hastings 1066, published in 2003, historian M.K. Lawson argued that William was able to win the Battle of Hastings because of ‘considerabl... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In his book, The Battle of Hastings 1066, published in 2003, historian M.K - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
How far do you agree with Lawson's view?
Answer
William's victory at the Battle of Hastings can indeed be attributed, in part, to luck. For instance, mishaps on the battlefield, such as the death of King Harold, played a critical role in tipping the scales in William's favor. However, it is essential to recognize that luck alone cannot account for his success.
Beyond luck, William's strategic planning and military tactics were pivotal. His ability to adapt to battlefield conditions and effectively lead his troops demonstrates his leadership skills. The Norman forces were well-prepared, and their training gave them an advantage over Harold's forces, who were fatigued after their own engagement with the Norwegians.
While luck influenced the outcome, factors like superior tactics and troop morale also played significant roles in William's ultimate victory. Therefore, while I acknowledge Lawson's point regarding luck, I argue that it is only one piece of a much larger picture.
Step 2
Discuss the various factors leading to William's victory.
Answer
William's victory can be analyzed through multiple lenses:
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Strategic Planning: William meticulously prepared for the invasion, gathering resources and troops. His foresight in timing the invasion contributed to his success.
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Military Tactics: The use of cavalry, combined with archers, provided a tactical advantage that Harold's forces could not counter effectively. Moreover, William's feigned retreats confused the English defenses, helping to break their formation.
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Harold's Weaknesses: Harold's army was not only tired from the previous battle but also possibly demoralized. The elements of surprise and the leadership from William created a pivotal imbalance.
In conclusion, while luck indeed played a part in the victory, the preparation and execution of tactics were more decisive factors.
Step 3
Evaluate the significance of Luck in William's Victory.
Answer
Luck, as highlighted by Lawson, manifested in several key moments. For instance, the unexpected timing of the battle and Harold's personal demise created openings for a Norman victory.
However, one cannot deny that these fortunate moments were reinforced by William's capability to exploit opportunities. His military acumen allowed him to turn moments of luck into definitive advantages on the battlefield. Thus, while luck contributed to William’s win, it was his skilled utilization of available circumstances that ultimately determined the outcome.