The Battle of Falkirk took place during the ongoing Wars of Scottish Independence, a series of conflicts fought between Scotland and England in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. The Scottish forces, led by William Wallace, sought to resist English domination and assert their sovereignty. Wallace had achieved considerable success prior to Falkirk, including the notable victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, which energized Scottish resistance against King Edward I's campaigns. The lead-up to the Falkirk confrontation highlighted tensions as Edward sought to subdue the Scottish rebellion and establish firm control over the region.

On the battlefield, Wallace deployed his men in schiltrons, a formation of tightly packed spearmen designed to withstand cavalry assaults. However, King Edward’s heavy cavalry, combined with the effective use of longbowmen, fundamentally changed the dynamics of the battle. The English forces were able to outmaneuver and disrupt Wallace's formations, unleashing a torrent of arrows upon the Scots that created disarray and panic.

Edward's decisive strategy and superior ranged capabilities led to a significant victory, forcing Wallace to retreat. This battle showcased the innovation and effectiveness of longbow tactics in medieval warfare and underscored the challenges faced by the Scottish forces in their quest for independence. The shocking defeat at Falkirk contributed to subsequent English campaigns aimed at quelling the Scottish revolt and highlighted the increasing importance of archery in warfare during this era.