Listen to the TL;DR
Origins and Causes
- The conflict had deep-rooted causes stemming from economic distress and the aftermath of the Hundred Years’ War, which left England financially strained.
- Dynastic tensions were central, with both the House of Lancaster and House of York laying claims to the throne.
- King Henry VI’s weak rulership and bouts of mental illness heightened the political instability.
Key Battles and Shifts of Power
- The Battle of St Albans in 1455 marked the first battle of the conflict.
- The Battle of Towton in 1461 was one of the largest, resulting in a decisive Yorkist victory.
- The shift in power during Edward IV’s reign marked a significant period for the Yorkists.
Notable Figures
- Richard, Duke of York, played a pivotal role in initiating the battles in pursuit of his claim.
- Margaret of Anjou, wife of Henry VI, was instrumental in leading the Lancastrian efforts.
- Henry Tudor emerged as a unifying figure, leading to the end of the wars.
Political Alliances and Intrigues
- The network of alliances and marriages aimed to secure power were common, contributing to fluctuating loyalties.
- Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, known as the ‘Kingmaker’, played both Yorkist and Lancastrian sides.
Conclusion and Aftermath
- Henry VII’s victory at Bosworth cleared the path for a new dynasty and marked the end of feudal conflicts.
- The marriage of Henry VII to Elizabeth of York symbolized the unification of the warring houses.
- The war’s aftermath set the stage for the Renaissance in England, with more centralized royal power.
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