Infantry and missile weapons challenge heavy cavalry

Montgomery's Concise History of Warfare traces the growing importance of infantry, missile weapons, and professional soldiers during the later Middle Ages. Defensive positions could win battles if an enemy could be induced to attack, while campaigns still required offensive action. Artillery became effective by the beginning of the fifteenth century, although firearms took much longer to exert their full influence. Spearmen and archers challenged heavy cavalry's dominance. Coordinating infantry and cavalry also offered greater tactical strength than employing each separately.