Research Paper On The War Of The Roses

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The Encyclopedia Britannica online defines The War of the Roses “in English history, the series of dynastic civil wars whose violence and civil strife preceded the strong government of the Tudors. Fought between the Houses of Lancaster and York for the English Throne, the wars were named many years afterward from the supposed badges of the contending parties: the white rose of York and the red of Lancaster.” The War of the Roses obliterated both sides of the royal family, turning it into a blood feud. The struggle to rule drifted between the houses of Lancaster and York for more than 3o years.

The origins of the War of the Roses began after the death of Edward III. His sons were: Edward, also known as “Black Prince” heir to the …show more content…

Henry IV had Richard II imprisoned, who later died in 1400 a year after the death of Duke of Lancaster. Henry IV‘s son, Henry V, by then succeeded the throne and was considered as a strong leader after the death of Henry IV. Henry V married Katherine, daughter of King of France and it was decided then that their children will be the heirs to both France and England. When Henry V died in 1422 from Dysentery, his only son Henry VI at four months old became king of both France and England. The brother of Henry V ruled England and France on behalf of the four month old King. But France was soon to be lost, due to the army that Joan D’Arc raised against the English to restore French monarchy. As Henry VI grew older, it became evident that he was a weak king and was influenced by his French wife Margaret of Anjou. Henry VI was soon vulnerable at the bouts of insanity as the Yorkists commenced the plotting of taking his place on the throne.

On May 22nd, 1455 at St. Albans the first battle of the Wars of the Roses took place, with the Yorkists being led by Richard Duke of York. They easily defeated the king’s army, as Henry VI was injured and taken prisoner as he endured another bout of insanity. Richard, Duke of York was then titled as “protector of England” after Henry VI. Henry VI recovered in the year of 1456 and reclaimed the throne. After several more battles, Richard was killed in 1459 at the Battle of