The Battle of Poitiers took place on September 19, 1356, during the Hundred Years' War between England and France. The English army, led by Edward, the Black Prince, faced a much larger French force commanded by King John II of France. The battle was marked by the effective use of longbowmen, which allowed the English to defeat the French despite being outnumbered. The victory at Poitiers was significant for the English, as it resulted in the capture of King John II. This defeat weakened French morale and led to a period of instability in France, influencing the course of the Hundred Years' War for years to come.