These private wars were fought by the knights with furious gusto and a single strategy, which consisted in trying to ruin the enemy by killing or maiming as many of his peasants and destroying as many crops, vineyards, tools, barns, and other possessions as possible, thereby reducing his sources of revenue. As a result, the chief victim of the belligerents was their respective peasantry.
The private wars waged by knights during the 14th century were characterized by intense zeal and a simplified tactic focused on crippling the enemy financially. Their primary objective was to devastate the land, leading to the deaths or injuries of numerous peasants and the destruction of essential agricultural resources like crops, vineyards, and tools. This strategy aimed to undermine the opponent's economic foundation, ultimately weakening their power.
This brutal conflict had dire consequences for the peasantry, who bore the brunt of the violence unleashed by these noble battles. The focus on harming the enemy’s economic means came at a high cost to the civilians, who suffered greatly as their livelihoods were ravaged and their lives disrupted. Thus, the knights’ pursuits not only exemplified a ruthless aspect of feudal warfare but also highlighted the tragic plight of those who were merely innocent bystanders in these brutal confrontations.
