Wars of the Roses

The Wars of the Roses in England paved the way for monumental changes in the English monarchy. It was a civil war in England that spanned for thirty years, from 1455 to 1487. This war was more destructive than the Hundred Years War. The Wars of the Roses was a struggle to claim the throne between two families, of Edward III and Henry IV. Edward was of Yorkist faction and Henry of Lancastrian. The roses were the symbols of the house. Shakespeare made use of the symbolism of the roses and the war to produce his history plays as well as expressing his opinion of the monarchy. To understand where the Wars of the Roses began means starting with the demise of the Plantagenet, sudden shifts in power, and women ruling.

Edward III was crowned king at fourteen years old and assumed government at seventeen in 1330. At the beginning of the Hundred Year War in 1337, Edward invaded France and led claim to the throne of France. He lead the sea victor at Slays in 1340 and overran Brittany in 1342. Four years later he landed in Normandy to defeat French King Phillip IV at the Battle of Crecy. His son Edward, the Black Prince, repeated his father’s success at Poitiers in 1356. By 1360, Edward controlled over one fourth of France. His success won the support of Nobles, lessened taxes and improved relations with Parliament. However, his failures abroad provoked criticism. The aging king withdrew from Windsor for the rest of his reign. (History of the Monarchy)

Richard II, grandson of Edward III and son of the Black Prince, took the throne after the death of Edward III. His father, The Black Prince died as well, thus leaving him the rightful heir. He succeeded the throne at ten years old. 1381, Peasants Revolt broke out and Richard rode out to meet r...

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...bt to Elizabeth’s successor. Elizabeth died in 1603 leaving the throne to James, who descended from Henry VII’s daughter Margaret.

James I was also James VI of Scotland, so his rule joined two kingdoms. Notably, James ordered a translation of the Bible, referred to as Authorised King James Version. He was often in dispute with Parliaments that did not create good publicity. While the kingdom was on edge of war with Spain, James passed in 1625.

Shifting powers created unsteady reigns and increased sensitivity in England. Every monarch had difficulty upholding good impressions of themselves. Complicated family ties created animosity and confusion among royal families that caused revenge to take place. The Wars of the Roses caused significant impact in the Lancastrian and Yorkist domains. Much of the English monarchy history influenced Shakespeare in his writings.