Final answer:
The English overcame the French in early battles like Crecy due to effective use of longbowmen, superior tactics, and technological advancements, while French forces suffered from low morale and ineffective use of armored warfare.
Step-by-step explanation:
The English were able to defeat the French in early battles like Crecy despite being outnumbered due to superior military tactics, technological advancements, and better use of their longbowmen. The English longbow had a longer range and a faster firing rate than the French crossbow, giving the English a significant advantage. In addition, the English displayed greater strategic acumen by choosing favorable terrain and employing defensive tactics that maximized the effectiveness of their longbowmen.
The French, on the other hand, failed to realize the full potential of tank warfare, treating tanks more as mobile artillery rather than as a transformative force on the battlefield. This lack of vision regarding armored warfare contributed to their defeats. Furthermore, the English were able to maintain high morale and cohesion among their troops, contrasting with the French who suffered from low morale and poor coordination between the British and French forces.