Cruel Henry?

King Henry’s decision to kill his French captives during the Battle of Agincourt is one of most controversial elements of the war. Such blatantly cruel act was unheard of at that time. For his actions, Henry has put up with a harsh judgment of this history.

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Henry in the heat of the battle notices a segment of his troops was in serious danger after being caught off-guard. The soldiers guarding the prisoners were the only ones available to strengthen his line. Reassigning them was risking an escape by the prisoners or even worse they could turn on their captors.

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Henry chose a less risky but more ruthless course and ordered the execution of these prisoners. It was more of a decision made out of necessity during the fight rather than personal malice. It nevertheless inflamed French to more resistance setting the stage for more rounds of slaughter in seemingly un-ending Anglo-French wars.