Joint Crisis: War of the Roses — (White Rose) Chair: Spencer Abrohms JHUMUNC 2018

Joint Crisis: War of the Roses- House of York (White Rose)

Topic A: House of York’s Influence in

Topic B: Power Struggle with the Lancaster’s

Committee Overview with five votes will receive veto power, though the chair can revoke this power at his discretion. The committee begins in March of 1454, after the death of the Cardinal John Kemp. England is recovering from a century of war with France Joint Crisis Committee which has caused widespread civilian unrest and (JCC) Organization financial turmoil. The Lancasters have imposed Henry VI as king who is weak at best and likely The Houses of York and Lancaster will be mentally unstable. Now is the time to take the functioning as a pair of committees, with crown that rightfully belongs to the York family interconnected crisis elements, in which all and bring back strength to England. debate in the individual committee rooms will This court, made up of allies of the House of impact the other committee. While there are York, must handle increasing hostility from the specific concerns that affect each room Lancasters and their allies. The conflict for the individually and with which delegates must crown is underscored by the issues of bastard concern themselves, just as important is the inter- feudalism and a convoluted dynastic system. The house politicking and debate behind the closed people are becoming restless and need a strong doors of the other committee room. Every king to rule. decision made by each committee will impact the other, making for multifaceted crisis elements and discussion, as well as the potential for Parliamentary Procedure multilateral agreement and conflict. The Parliamentary Procedure used in this committee will be uniform throughout the entire conference, although because it is a crisis Delegate Biographies committee, sometimes parliamentary procedure Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York may be overlooked to the fast pace of the Richard of York is the first leader of the House committee. In the event of crises, delegates may of York against the Lancasters. Richard change Parliamentary Procedure to reflect the descended from King Edward III, and had a urgency of said crisis. strong claim to the throne. A strong military That being said, this House does have special leader and statesman, Richard led English voting rules. Directives and any other procedural campaigns in Ireland and France. In the 1440s matters will pass by a simple majority, and during his appointment in Normandy, he grew abstentions are not allowed. Each delegate has opposed to King Henry’s government. Upon two votes, and can choose to use either one or returning to England in 1450, political unrest and both in each voting procedure (a delegate must turmoil against Henry’s government was use at least one unless not present in the room). Delegates are able to give one (or both!) of their votes to another delegate in exchange for monetary aid, loyalty, or any other compensation. Please note that once a delegate gives their vote to another delegate, they cannot get it back (though they can buy someone else’s votes). Delegates

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growing.1 York, who had a rightful claim to the Andrew Trollope throne, became a leader of the opposition. In fact, Andrew Trollope was a legendary British after seeking the support of parliament, he set soldier, beginning his military career in the himself up to be in line for the throne. 1420s.6 Trollope lead a large campaign in Normandy and remained there until England’s Richard Neville, 16th surrender.7 Trollope is an ally of the House of Richard Neville became Earl of Warwick York and the House of Neville early in the war. through marriage.2 In 1453, Neville and his father allied with Richard of York against Henry VI and Lord Hastings, 1st Baron Hastings the Lancasters. Warwick and his forces were Lord William Hastings was a member of the instrumental in some of the York’s most decisive English during the War of the victories. Neville was more of a statesman and a Roses. He has been a retainer for Richard, Duke power broker than a military leader, but he of York 1430 and is very loyal to the Yorkist cause. wielded his strength well, and was in favor with Lord Hastings serves as one of the York’s primary the House of York for years. aides, going on multiple diplomatic missions in their name.8 Cecily Neville, Duchess of York Cecily Neville is Richard of York’s wife. She John Neville, 1st Marquess of Mantagu was wed to him when she was only 14 years old John Neville, Richard Neville’s brother, was at and is a member of the prominent Neville family.3 first a landed British aristocrat who fought for She is the mother of Edward IV and Richard III, control of Scottish Lands with the House of Percy as well as five other children who survived into in the early 1450s.9 After helping the House of adulthood. Cecily was at times accused of adultery Neville rise to victory, he accompanied his brother since the timing of Edward IV’s birth seemed to in allying with the Yorks. indicate that she became pregnant during her husband’s absence.4 This claim was never John Howard, 1st Duke of substantiated, yet was often pushed by the York’s John Howard is the son of Robert Howard political rivals. and the daughter of John de Mowbray.10 He is a Yorkist loyalist and a member of the House of Richard Neville, 5th Lords who support the Duke of York. Richard Neville is Richard of York’s brother in law and a descendent of John of Gaunt.5 He John de Mowbray, 3rd Duke of Norfolk served as warden of the west march of John de Mowbray was never a man of strong and has had a prominent place in the government. convictions. In fact, he maintained a strong Due to his ancestry, Richard Neville has the connection to God, but less of a connection to distinction of being connected to both the Yorks politics. Mowbray was knighted by then infant and the Lancasters, though he is loyal to the Henry VI when he was only 11 years old.11 He Yorks. served as warden for Scotland and as an English ambassador to garner a truce with the Scotts.12

1The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Richard, 3rd 8 Rickard, J. “Sir Andrew Trollope, D.1461.” History of War, Duke of York.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia 22 Jan. 2014, Britannica, Inc., 19 Oct. 2012, www.historyofwar.org/articles/people_trollope_andrew.ht 2The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Richard Neville, ml. 16th Earl of Warwick.”Encyclopædia Britannica, 9 The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “John Neville, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 29 Sept. 2016 Earl of .” Encyclopædia Britannica, 3Lewis, Jone Johnson. “Cecily Neville: Mother of Two Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1 Nov. 2016, Kings, Wife of a Claimant to the Crown.”ThoughtCo, www.britannica.com/biography/John-Neville-earl-of- www.thoughtco.com/cecily-neville-biography-3529599. Northumberland-Lord-Montagu. 4IBID 5“Richard Neville, Earl of Salisbury (1400-1460) [Wars of 10 The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “John Howard, the Roses].” Luminarium: Encyclopedia Project, 1st Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal.” Encyclopædia www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/neville.htm. Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 20 Apr. 2016, 6 Rickard, J. “Sir Andrew Trollope, D.1461.” History of War, www.britannica.com/biography/John-Howard-1st-Duke- 22 Jan. 2014, of-Norfolk-Earl-Marshal. www.historyofwar.org/articles/people_trollope_andrew.ht 11 “John Mowbray (VI), Third Duke of Norfolk (1415- ml. 1461).” Luminarium: Encyclopedia Project, www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/johnmowbray3.htm. 7IBID 12 IBID

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Norfolk has also worked to stop riots including Yorks. He is the only surviving son of John the major riot in Norwich. Mowbray was Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk. successful and received a special thanks from the city. Elizabeth Woodville is the daughter of John Neville, Baron Neville Richard Woodville and Jacquetta of Luxemburg.15 Born in 1410, John Neville is a British Lord Jacquetta was the widow of the , and the second son of the elder John Neville. making Jacquetta Henry V’s aunt. Jacquetta still Neville supports the claim of Richard of York. assumed the role of aunt after the Duke of However, Neville has always envied the strength Bedford’s aunt which allowed Elizabeth to get of Richard of York which puts his loyalty in close to the royal family. Elizabeth married John question. Gray who is fighting in the army.

Sir Thomas Burgh, 1st Baron Burgh of John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln Gainsborough John is the oldest son of the second duke of Sir Thomas Burgh of Gainsborough is an Suffolk, and he was loyal to his uncle Richard III. English Nobleman who is loyal to the Yorkist This loyalty allows him to become president of the cause.13 The Burgh family is incredibly wealthy Council of the North, later in the war.16 and Thomas makes a very competent statesman Ultimately, he becomes heir to the throne when and manager. Burgh is a valuable asset to the the earl of Warwick is deemed too young for the Yorkist cause, and certainly someone who will not position. betray them. Edmund Oldhall, Bishop of Meath and Thomas Neville acting Lord Chancellor of Ireland The younger brother of Richard Neville of Edmund Oldhall is a prominent member of Warwick, Thomas, was a magnate in northern the with a long history of political service. England, who worked closely with his brother, He was a prominent judge and cleric during his and became loyal to the Yorkist cause after he led career that allowed him to travel throughout a series of raids against the House of Percy in much of England.17 Additionally, some of his roles in the early 1450s. He is a valuable include acting as the Lord Chancellor of Ireland military asset for the Yorks, providing the support which is the highest ranking judicial official in of the House of Neville. Ireland, and taking the religious role as the Bishop of Meath.18 , 4th The 4th Earl of Northumberland is notable for being the only member of the Percy family to support the Yorks. The Northumberland family is notable for its feud with the Neville family. Most of the Nevilles support the Yorks, while the Percys support the Lancasters, which shows that family ties only have so much influence.14

Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk Thomas Howard is a prominent noble and member of the Howard clan who supports the

13“Sir Thomas Burgh.” Tudor Times, 16“John De La Pole, 2nd Duke of Suffolk (1442- tudortimes.co.uk/people/sir-thomas-burgh-1. 1491).” Luminarium: Encyclopedia Project, www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/johndelapolesuffolk.ht 14“Henry Percy, Fourth Earl of Northumberland.” The m. History Jar, 17 Mar. 2016, 17 “History of Parliament Online.” OLDHALL, Edmund thehistoryjar.com/2016/03/17/henry-percy-fourth- (D.1417), of East Dereham and Little Fransham, Norf. | earl-of-northumberland/. History of Parliament Online, 15“Elizabeth Woodville (1437-1492). Biography of Queen www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1386- Elizabeth Wydville. [Wars of the Roses].” Luminarium: 1421/member/oldhall-edmund-1417. Encyclopedia Project, 18 IBID www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/woodville.htm.

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Topic A: House of York's around gathering the support of other nobles as part of bastard feudalism, and Henry VI is failing Influence in England to do that. Bastard feudalism is the concept where Background on England tenants of manors have an obligation toward their lord.25 Unlike previously in the feudal period, this The year is 1454. England is primarily an obligation is not based on blood or tradition, but agrarian society, though that is quickly on financial payments and personal 19 changing. Many landowners have adopted the relationships.26 While most landowners do not leasehold system to manage their estates due to have the land and influence to exert power over 20 issues supplementing their income. The the region, if they consolidate their support under leasehold system is an economic process where one lord, control becomes possible. Thus, it is peasants can work a plot of land for a period, in very important to maintain good relationships return for providing the landlords with money or between a lord and those loyal to him, or one’s food. Landlords have decided to do this by power can quickly erode. Henry VI’s weak converting their land into pastures for sheep leadership offers an ample opportunity to draw which has caused industries like wool to do supporters away from and help House of York 21 incredibly well. However, the lack of available gain new allies. land has forced many people to abandon the countryside and in some cases, entire villages have disappeared.22 Cities like London are rapidly Major Houses developing and people are abandoning the Due to the necessity of receiving support from countryside in droves. The flight from the other nobles, the English royal houses have countryside has caused the importance of cities to become very important during the conflict, and it augment, as cities have become highly populated is incredibly vital to try to gain the support of a and influential.23 This increase in influence given family. While most families pledge their demands a strong government to ensure that the entire support to one of the factions, there are cities are governed efficiently. This is done several examples of specific family members through parliament which is based out of defecting from the decisions of the rest and even Westminster in central London. Parliament entire families switching sides due to money or exerts its power on the central authorities of cities power. Though these represent the major houses throughout the county. Trade is also becoming in the war, there are many cadet lines which have highly important and German and Italian traders started when a member of the family who is not are thriving in England.24 the current heir (or less prominent families and The current king, Henry VI, is weak and many nobles) is given land and titles. believe he is under complete control of his wife The is the House of York’s . Although Henry VI does have major rival. This house descended from John de control of England at the moment, that control is Gaunt and is another family of the Plantagenet tenuous and the crown has been besmirched by line.27 The previous Lancaster king, Henry V, had several riots and uprisings in the past few years. been a formidable king who had conquered The majority of these uprisings are caused by France and was an overall highly successful ruler. failure in the Hundred Years War, Henry’s However, Henry V had left his family’s riches and mishandling of domestic issues, and favorable land to Henry VI who was not nearly as apt of a land grants given to the king and his wife’s ruler, and had shown signs of mental illness. favorites. These decisions are very harmful While the Lancasters still have many allies due to because control in England at this time revolves shared ancestry and old alliances, Henry VI’s

19 Ravenhill, William, and Nicholas A. Barr. “England in the www.britannica.com/place/United-Kingdom/England-in- 15th Century.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia the-15th-century. Britannica, Inc., 21 June 2017, 24IBID www.britannica.com/place/United-Kingdom/England-in- 25 “Bastard Feudalism.” Bastard Feudalism - Oxford the-15th-century. Reference, 16 June 2017, 20IBID www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.2011 21IBID 0803095450812. 22IBID 26IBID 23 Ravenhill, William, and Nicholas A. Barr. “England in 27Mahoney, Mike. The House of Lancaster., the 15th Century.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/plantagenet_49.html. Britannica, Inc., 21 June 2017,

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weakness has caused many nobles to turn against The Woodville family is a relatively new the Lancasters. prominent family in terms of English history. The The House of Beaufort is a great family that first truly prominent member of the family was descended from John of Gaunt, Duke of Richard Woodville who was born in 1405. Richard Lancaster, and his mistress, Katherine was the son of the chamberlain to the Duke of Swynford.28 The Beaufort house is incredibly Bedford. On the death of the Duke of Bedford, wealthy and though their genetic line makes them Richard married the Duchess Jacquetta who was illegitimate for a direct claim to the throne, they far above his social standing.34 This marriage gave still have many powerful and royal members in birth to many children who rose to prominent the family. Due to their shared ancestry, the roles in English leadership. The family has given family is a staunch supporter of the Lancasters allegiances to the Yorks and the Lancasters at throughout the war. Prominent members of the different times during the conflict but have family include Joan Beaufort, Queen of Scotland, primarily supported the Yorks. Edmund Beaufort, 2nd Duke of , and The House of Tudor is a family with relatively Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset.29 modest beginnings. The house rose to power with The Percy family was founded in the 11th the relationship between Henry V’s widow and century by William de Percy. The Percy family Owen Tudor.35 The Tudor claim to the throne is supports the Lancasters and are the Earls of derived from Margaret Beaufort who is the great Northumberland. The family has also been locked granddaughter of John de Gaunt.36 in a bitter feud with the Nevilles which has been exasperated by family drama when Thomas Background on the House of Neville married Maud Stanhope. Due to this marriage, the Percy’s lost claim to Castle York which had previously been one of their prized The House of York and House of Lancaster possessions.30 both descend from the House of Plantagenet.37 The Neville family is another prominent The family line started in 1154 with the marriage northern family that can be traced back to the 11th of Geoffrey count of Anjou and the daughter of century. The family’s manor is called , Henry IV. The line broke off into the two factions and it is in Durham county.31 Staindrop is home when John of Gaunt restarted the Lancaster line to the family’s massive castle called .32 and Edmund Langley started the York line.38 The Great performances in the Hundred Years’ War current head of the York line is Richard of York helped grow the Neville family’s influence and who has recently returned from Ireland and has power. The only other family to come close to the convened this committee to discuss plans for power of the Nevilles in the North are the Percys, moving forward. and they are very important to the king, because the king is based out of the South and loyal Aftermath of the Hundred Year families in the North are needed to protect the northern border from the Scotts. The family has War had issues in the past with switching allegiances At the inception of this committee, England is and a major problem determining who receives reeling from the devastating effects of the the family’s massive inheritance. This succession Hundred Years’ War. The war began in 1337 and ultimately led to Richard Neville becoming the continued until 1453. The reasons for the war are Earl of Warwick and assuming its massive copious but center on a struggle for land between estates.33 The Nevilles are currently prime England and France. This included both supporters of the Yorks. kingdoms laying claim to the duchy of Guyenne

28IBID 35Mahoney, Mike. House of Tudor, 29 Mahoney, Mike. The House of Lancaster., englishmonarchs.co.uk/tudor_21.htm. www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/plantagenet_49.html. 36Mahoney, Mike. House of Tudor, 30Mahoney, Mike. The Percy Family, englishmonarchs.co.uk/tudor_21.htm. www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/plantagenet_46.html. 37The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “House of 31 Mahoney, Mike. The Neville Family, Plantagenet.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/plantagenet_44.html. Britannica, Inc., 14 Feb. 2017, 32IBID www.britannica.com/topic/house-of-Plantagenet. 33IBID 38IBID 34Mahoney, Mike. The Woodville Family, www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/plantagenet_56.html.

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and England making a claim to the French crown reconvene more frequently to issue them.45 Taxes due to having the most direct ancestry.39 The war lead to a decline in wool production and an overall was fought entirely on French territory, and decline in investment in the agricultural sector, though France had the larger and better financed which put a large damper on the English military, the English mercenaries proved economy. However, this taxation did not a incredibly damaging to the French towns they downside for the English people as a whole, as it pillaged and proved better tactically on the gave rise to a small new class of financiers. This battlefield.40 While the English at points had burgeoning wealthy class of financiers was made large territorial gains and seemed poised to accompanied by a small group of incredibly win the war, most of the advances were eventually wealthy men who achieved their riches by pushed back. Most notably, King Henry plundering French towns. This new class often conquered Normandy and tried to make himself took their money they had earned to the King of France; the victory was short lived. countryside instead of introducing it into the Despite gains from land and battle, the French did economy which prevented the increase in wealth not accept English dominion and Joan of Arc from having a large positive impact on economic succeeded in liberating France for good.41 growth. This new wealthy upper-class brought The English claim to land in France, which with it an increase in class conflict and revealed stretched back to 1066, was reduced to solely the medieval England’s shift away from feudalistic Port of Calais in the English Channel, which for all practices. intents and purposes completely removed Additionally, there was an immediate England from France.42 Though the war is economic impact felt due to the loss of French considered to have ended in 1453, there is no land. The Province of Guyenne was a main official settlement marking the conclusion of producer of wine and other goods which the fighting, and at the time of this committee, both English now could no longer profit from. On top sides were still uneasy. The war has left France in of that, the people were ardent drinkers of wine ruins due to the severe ransacking of the and now found it far more difficult to acquire.46 countryside, and much of the population has The English lost a source of revenue and favorite either fled or been massacred.43 Though the goods, which at the time of this committee places English did not experience the same horrors on the English economy in a period of transition. The their territory, they are left humiliated and in a loss of French land also caused the English to lose state of low morale. Additionally, many other access to its trade ports in France, as well as adverse effects serve as the backdrop for the convenient access to trade with the rest of Europe. struggle for control of the crown. England was forced to move its trading ports to the Netherlands, and the merchants were Economic Situation temporarily forced to be at odds with the French. 47 The economy is in a tumultuous period as the While the English may have not have had to merchant class attempts to adapt. deal with the horrors of experiencing a war on their own soil, they still had to bear the economic Morale effects which accompanied the long period of war. First, the war forced Charles to issue higher taxes The war had a very negative effect on the to finance it.44 Wars are expensive endeavors and morale of the English people which helped set the this taxation slowed growth and put more stress tone for the brewing conflict between the on the commoners. Additionally, these taxes Lancasters and the Yorks. At times in the war, increased the importance of power of the morale was incredibly high as the English seemed parliament because parliament was forced to poised to win, and the ultimate defeat came as a

39 History.com Staff. “Hundred Years’ War.” History.com, 44Keen, Maurice. “History - British History in Depth: The A&E Television Networks, 2009, Hundred Years War.” BBC, BBC, 17 Feb. 2011, www.history.com/topics/hundred-years-war. www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/middle_ages/hundred_yea 40 IBID rs_war_01.shtml. 41IBID 45 IBID 42 IBID 46 Keen, Maurice. “History - British History in Depth: The 43Wilde, Robert. “What Effect Did the Hundred Years War Hundred Years War.” BBC, BBC, 17 Feb. 2011, Have?” ThoughtCo, www.thoughtco.com/aftermath-of-the- www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/middle_ages/hundred_yea hundred-years-war-1221904. rs_war_01.shtml. 47 IBID

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bit of a shock. Much of the populace was Questions to Consider downtrodden at having lost the land and prestige they had held for so long and blamed Henry VI for 1. How can the Yorks best improve the his weak leadership. This dampened morale came people’s morale? in conflict with the increased patriotism which had grown during this period due to the great 2. What should be done to handle the successes that England had acquired at some emerging wealthy class? points earlier in the war.48 A form of nationalism emerged in England which manifested itself in a 3. What is the appropriate level of persistent and very negative attitude toward taxation? France as well as holding a war hungry and violent mindset. This hunger for war is 4. What should be done with the underscored by a large group of soldiers who are unemployed soldiers? now unemployed. The previous war had meant that for a hundred years, English soldiers were in 5. How can the Yorks best win and keep high demand. Now, many of these soldiers have alliance members? returned home and are not sure what to do with their skills. Many of them are eager to serve a lord and go back to war.

Concluding Remarks Though much of the committee’s attention is taken up by the conflict with the Lancasters, it is important not to neglect The House of York’s other roles in ruling Yorkist territory and potentially all of England. The Yorks must make sure to strengthen their alliances and potentially win new partners by keeping the other nobility happy. Additionally, it is important to not forget the common people, so the Yorks should make sure to improve the economy and decide the appropriate amount of taxation. The handling the fallout from the Hundred Years’ War and dealing with the French is also vital. Finally, in order to exert influence over England, the Yorks must take advantage of the current low morale of the people, and try to make sure any improvements are attributed to them. Though winning the war is important, if England is not kept in good shape, there will be no England worth winning.

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Topic B: Power Struggle with of the ruling was done by a series of councils.55 While much of the aristocracy supported this, the Lancaster’s John of Gaunt, Edward’s third and oldest remaining son, was highly ambitious and wanted Claim to the Throne more control for himself. John of Gaunt had married Blanche of One of the main reasons for the conflict with Lancaster and became the Duke of Lancaster, the Lancasters is that both groups have a restarting the Lancaster line.56 John of Gaunt’s legitimate claim to the throne. As previously son, Henry Bolingbroke, became a part of a group stated, both houses descend from the House of called the Lord’s Appellant that opposed Richard Plantagenet. The first major King of the House of II’s rule.57 They lead a rebellion in 1389 that Plantagenet was Henry II. After William, the executed several members of Richard’s court and Conqueror died, Henry II was the first person to briefly took control.58 However, this revolt quickly 49 take full control over the lands. Henry II died down and Richard went on to lead received much of his territory through birth and successfully for nine years. In 1398, Richard II 50 his marriage to Louis VII’s ex-wife Eleanor. He began to act erratically. Henry and Richard II led a successful invasion of England in 1153, and resumed their feud which led Richard II to exile upon the death of King Stephen, who accepted Henry.59 After John of Gaunt passed away, Henry II as his heir, Henry II became the Richard II further added insult to injury by unopposed lord of territories including England, seizing all the Lancastrian land.60 This was just 51 Scotland, Wales, and parts of France. Henry II’s the impetus that Henry needed, and he returned empire which was maintained through feudal from exile and usurped Richard II, becoming lordship and marriages of family members, was King Henry IV. Richard II was taken prisoner and 52 referred to as the Angevin empire. Upon Henry’s ultimately killed several months later, leaving no death in 1189, the crown was passed down male heirs. 53 peacefully between his sons until 1377. Henry IV was considered a strong ruler and In 1377 when King Edward III died, there was passed the kingship to his son Henry V who was great confusion as to who had the right to the also successful. The same cannot be said for the throne. England uses a concept called current king, Henry VI. While Henry VI and the primogeniture where the king’s oldest son has Lancasters may have had a strong claim to the first claim to succession. If the oldest son is dead throne, the Yorkist side has a strong claim as well. at the time of the king’s passing, this son’s oldest When Richard II was deposed, there was another son, the king’s grandson, will assume the role. If potential heir to the throne. Edward III’s second the oldest son does not produce any male heirs, son, Lionel of Antwerp, had one daughter, the king’s next oldest son will assume the role and Philippa of Clarence, yet had no sons.61 However, so on. King Edward III had five sons and by Philippa and her husband Edmund Mortimer, 3rd primogeniture, his oldest son would take the Earl of March, did have a son themselves, Roger throne. That son was Edward the Black Prince Mortimer, who in turn had a son named Edmund 54 who had passed away the year prior. Therefore, Mortimer, 5th Earl of March.62 Because Edmund the Black Prince’s son, Richard II, had priority to Mortimer is a direct male descendent of Edward the crown over his three uncles. The boy was only III’s second son, many thought that he had a ten years old at the time he became king, and most better claim than Henry IV who was a direct

49Knowles, Michael David. “Henry II.” Encyclopædia 57Knowles, Michael David. “Henry II.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2 Aug. 2016, Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2 Aug. 2016, www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-II-king-of-England. www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-II-king-of-England. 50 IBID 58 IBID 51 IBID 59Saul, Nigel. “Richard II.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 52 IBID Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 7 Mar. 2017, 53 IBID www.britannica.com/biography/Richard-II-king-of- 54“Wars of the Roses: House of Lancaster [Genealogical England. Chart and Overview of This Line of English Kings].” 60IBID Luminarium: Encyclopedia Project, 61The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Wars of the www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/houseoflancaster.htm. Roses.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia 55IBID Britannica, Inc., 1 Jan. 2017, 56“Death of John of Gaunt.” Death of John of Gaunt | www.britannica.com/event/Wars-of-the-Roses. History Today, www.historytoday.com/richard- 62IBID cavendish/death-john-gaunt.

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descendent of Edward III’s third son. The issue is is a very poor ruler. Henry VI became king with that Edmund Mortimer’s descendance is through the death of his father when he was still an infant, Philippa. According to cognatic primogeniture, and he was deemed old enough to rule at 16. which allows descendance to be passed down by Growing up, Henry VI had always been staunchly males and females, Edmund Mortimer had the religious and far more focused on his studies then superior claim. However, according to agnatic ruling a county.66 This weakness became blatant primogeniture, where descendance can only pass with the loss of The Hundred Years’ War, as all be passed down by males, Henry IV had the French land had been ceded by 1453.67 His superior claim. Cognatic primogeniture is domestic policies did not fare much better. Due to generally considered the superior claim, yet there high prices and taxes, Jack Cade lead a rebellion is no clear answer. of small property owners in 1450.68 Although the Edmund Mortimer’s potential claim to the rebellion was not successful, Cade used the name throne made his childhood very dangerous, as John Mortimer to align himself with York.69 there were several attempts made on his life. Additionally, Henry VI may actually be Edmund was protected from many of these insane. His grandfather Charles VI had previously assassination attempts by the future king, Henry shown signs of insanity, and it is likely that Henry V, and he rewarded Henry V with his loyalty.63 VI also inherited these genes. This madness Henry V’s enemies used Edmund Mortimer as a cannot be tolerated in a leader, and he has way to get rid of Henry V, yet this backfired. recently entered a catatonic state.70 Henry VI is no Edmund Mortimer ratted out the potential longer able to recognize anyone and is in a state of rebellion that planned to make him king in order paranoid schizophrenia. The Queen is currently to protect Henry V.64 Edmund Mortimer later ruling in his name until he recovers, though it is died childless. Nevertheless, this line was not unsure if that will ever happen. Additionally, even ended because Edmund Mortimer had a sister, if he does recover, he will likely still be unfit to Anne Mortimer. When Anne married Richard, rule. The Earl of Cambridge, the Yorkist claim to the Finally, the king recently had a son, Prince throne was established. Richard, The Earl of Edward, and the existence of whom threatens the Cambridge was the son of Edmund of Langley Yorkist claim to the throne.71 While the York’s who founded the Yorkist line and was the fourth claim to primogeniture may be stronger than son of Edward III.65 While Langley was the fourth Henry VI’s, if the Prince reaches maturity, the son and Gaunt was the third, the marriage with York’s claim will become even weaker and more Mortimer who descended from the second son, difficult to defend. The King should be replaced gives the Yorks a very strong claim to the throne. before the line of succession becomes even more Therefore, Richard of York, who is the son of convoluted. Anne and Richard, The Earl Cambridge, believes that he has a very strong claim. Empowered Leaders

Weak Leadership Henry VI’s weak leadership has allowed for several other leaders to gain too much power and One of the main reasons that Richard of York become dangerous to the Yorkist cause and and others want to get rid of Henry VI, is that he England as a whole. Henry VI’s wife, Margaret of

63The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Edmund 28 Mar. 2017, www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-VI- Mortimer, 5th Earl of March.”Encyclopædia Britannica, king-of-England. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 6 Nov. 2015, 67IBID www.britannica.com/biography/Edmund-Mortimer-5th- 68The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Cade's Earl-of-March Rebellion.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia 64The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Edmund Britannica, Inc., 11 May 2016, Mortimer, 5th Earl of March.”Encyclopædia Britannica, www.britannica.com/event/Cades-Rebellion. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 6 Nov. 2015, 69 IBID www.britannica.com/biography/Edmund-Mortimer-5th- 70The Causes of the Wars of the Roses, Earl-of-March faculty.history.wisc.edu/sommerville/123/123%20191%20C 65 The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Wars of the auses%20WRs.htm. Roses.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia 71 The Causes of the Wars of the Roses, Britannica, Inc., 1 Jan. 2017, faculty.history.wisc.edu/sommerville/123/123%20191%20C www.britannica.com/event/Wars-of-the-Roses. auses%20WRs.htm. 66 The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Henry VI.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.,

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Anjou, in particular needs to be restrained. Unlike death.75 This execution was in return for his Henry VI, Margaret is calculated and ambitious. father’s attempts to install Edmund, 5th Earl of She married Henry VI at 15, and due to his March, as York served as Lieutenant of France in incapability for leading, she also experiences 1440, but was replaced by Somerset in 1447.76 much of the blame for the loss in the Hundred This served to increase resentment of Henry VI Years’ War. Margaret is fiercely protective of her and Somerset. York was given the role of son and feels emboldened as the Queen Mother. Lieutenant of Ireland which may have purely been It is rumored that her son is actually not the king’s a front to get him out of the country.77 due to his mental state, yet this is After Cade’s rebellion in 1450, the animosity unsubstantiated.72 Margaret is currently calling became more apparent. Many blamed York for all the shots while her husband lies in a catatonic the rebellions and York wanted to explain himself state. to the king. York cleared himself from blame in Additionally, one of York’s biggest enemies, the rebellion but also demanded better leadership Edmond Beaufort, The Duke of Somerset, is a and punishment for those responsible for the loss favorite of the King and Queen. The first reason in Normandy.78 Henry VI rejected these points. for this hatred is that Somerset is another York made one more attempt in 1451 to gain contender in the line of succession. John of Gaunt power through parliament when William Oldhall had four children with his mistress Catherine presented a bill to have York declared Henry VI’s Swynford.73 Henry IV eventually legitimized them heir.79 Henry VI also strongly rejected these with the one stipulation that they can no longer be points and Oldhall was jailed.80 In 1452, York in line for the throne. These children became the marched on London with a small army, as most Beaufort family and despite Henry IV’s people were not ready to rebel against the king. restrictions, Somerset provides one of the best York’s goals were to reestablish himself as the competing claims. Additionally, Somerset is primary advisor while ousting Somerset and the brash and careless like many of Henry VI’s other other ineffective aids. This effort was a complete advisors. In 1449, Somerset had lost Rouen, Caen, failure and Somerset remained in power. York and Normandy, yet suffered no change in luckily was only obliged to pledge his allegiance reputation or punishment from the king.74 York and was not severely punished for his actions.81 also realized that Somerset’s government debts After Henry VI’s breakdown, York regained were seemingly always paid off immediately, more power in the court. He accomplished this by while York’s sometimes went unpaid for years. effectively handling a conflict in the north of This special treatment and poor performance England. The Percy family attacked the wedding makes him a threat to the Yorks and the stability party of the Neville family over disputed lands, of England. which would have change hands if the wedding had gone through.82 The Nevilles were armed and Richard of York's Past Efforts able to protect themselves, but this began large fighting across the North. York was instrumental The conflict between Richard of York and the in negotiating the ending of fighting and gained Lancasters has been brewing for some time. York the Nevilles as strong allies. After this grew up harboring negative opinions of the performance and a failed attempt by the Queen to Lancasters. In 1415 when Richard of York was a become regent, York was granted the role of small child, Henry V had Richard’s father put to Protector and Defender of the Realm.83

72 The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Margaret of 76Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York and the Wars of the Anjou.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Roses. “Plantagenet Of York.” Richard Plantagenet Duke of Britannica, Inc., 16 Dec. 2016, York, englishmonarchs.co.uk/plantagenet_20.htm. www.britannica.com/biography/Margaret-of-Anjou-queen- 77IBID of-England. 78 Richard Plantagenet, Third Duke of York, 1411-1460, 73 The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Beaufort www.historyofwar.org/articles/people_york_richard_third Family.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia _duke.html. Britannica, Inc., 20 July 1998, 79IBID www.britannica.com/topic/Beaufort-family. 80IBID 74Richard Plantagenet, Third Duke of York, 1411-1460, 81IBID www.historyofwar.org/articles/people_york_richard_third 82IBID _duke.html. 83 Richard Plantagenet, Third Duke of York, 1411-1460, 75Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York and the Wars of the www.historyofwar.org/articles/people_york_richard_third Roses. “Plantagenet Of York.” Richard Plantagenet Duke of _duke.html. York, englishmonarchs.co.uk/plantagenet_20.htm.

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Questions to Consider Concluding Remarks 1. What is the best way to assert a right to There is a deep disdain between the Yorks and the throne? the Lancasters, and it is highly likely that this may not be able to be solved diplomatically. For 2. Who should be next in the line of Richard of York and the York family to take the succession? throne, it is important to be strategic yet aggressive, as we are dealing with ambitious 3. How to gain and leverage allies? people who will stop at nothing to seize power. Pay attention to the line of succession to make 4. Who has the most influence in court? sure whoever is making claim to the throne can truly prove that they have a right to it. While parliament and other nobles can be persuaded to consider weaker claims under certain circumstances, a firm claim to the throne is still the foundation of a stable rule. Also, when dealing with parliament, try to determine where the influence lies and who is really making the decisions. Finally, prepare for potential battle and think of the supplies and strategy necessary for success. The Yorks have a right to the crown, and if we play our cards right, that can quickly be regained.

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