ABSTRACT
Tracing King Edward's military evolution through the Scottish campaigns serves two important purposes: it enhances our understanding of English strategy during the first phase of the Hundred Years War; and it provides a valuable paradigm of the dialectical process by which a commander's understanding of the craft of war develops. Edward's original objectives in launching the Hundred Years War in 1337 were to establish full sovereignty over his Continental duchy of Aquitaine, and put an end to French interference in Scotland, though his goals later grew with his successes. The conviction that Edward was unwilling to risk a general engagement seems to come from two sources: the 'inherent military probability' idea that no commander so outnumbered would wish to fight; and the fact that Edward was moving rapidly northwards, towards Flanders, before Duke Philip 'overtook' him. The 'inherent military probability' idea, always risky, necessitates particular caution when applied to the mind of the medieval commander.
