Got a Real-World Weapon, Armor or Tactics Question? Mk. XXV

[Clistenes]

English use of bows was an anomaly in 16th-century Europe, but archery persisted longer elsewhere in the world. In and around China, both cavalry and infantry archers appear to have been effective against opposing troops equipped with firearms, including European ones with European guns, at least into the 2nd half of the 17th century.

By the 19th century, particularly the 2nd half of the 19th century, Chinese/Manchu bows were obviously inferior to decent European firearms, but it's unclear exactly when this shift occurred.

The Chinese had an advantage of 17 to 1, and the Dutch stood their ground until their rear was taken by surprise... if that battle proves something, it is the superiority of guns over bows...

I mean, if a sword-wielding guy keeps at bay 17 other guys armed with bricks in socks until one of them manages to sneak from behind and hit the back of his head, that doesn't mean the brick and sock are more powerful than the sword, it just means that he lost to an overwhelming numerical advantage and a surprise attack...