Timed Plan
Question – ‘Both Edward IV and Richard III faced rebellions during their reigns because of
their usurpation of the throne’. How far do you agree with this statement?
Intro
As usurpers, Edward IV and Richard III inherited unstable thrones and as such rebellions
were common. This was typically seen under Henry IV who also experienced many threats
and rebellions because of his usurpation of the throne. We must also consider both reigns of
Edward IV as his governance was different in each. However, rebellion because of
usurpation was not the only reason the Yorkist kings experienced rebellion, some were the
result of revenge as well as the role of over-mighty subjects.
Para 1 – Edward IV/Richard III did
When Edward IV usurped the throne, he deposed an anointed king and disrupted
the line of succession.
The most serious rebellion that Edward IV faced was that of the Lancastrians which
was a direct result of Edward usurping the throne in 1461. Lancastrian supporters
opposed Edward due to their loyalty to Henry VI
Warwick returns leading the Lancastrian army in September 1470 and forces Edward
IV to flee and Henry VI was reinstated
Richard’s usurpation of the throne from his nephews caused further divisions in an
already disunited realm.
Richard III’s usurpation of the throne and his alleged murder of the princes in the
tower did much to blacken his reputation and contributed to rebellions against him
during his time as king as less were inclined to support him. Richard’s usurpation of
the throne damaged his popularity significantly and his ‘evil personality’ is later
referenced in many sources.
Eval:
Para 2 – Edward IV did not (role of warwick)
Much of the rebellion’s that Edward IV’s experienced was due to the growing
revenge of the earl of Warwick.
After growing alienation from Edward’s government, Warwick changed his allegiance
to the Lancastrian side. He formally reconciled with Margaret of Anjou, evidenced by
the marriage of Prince Edward and his daughter Anne Neville.
It is clear to see that Warwick wanted to advance his own position which can be seen
by his ‘kingmaking’ skills as he successfully placed 2 separate kings on the throne. It
is clear that Warwick had no loyalties, only to himself and his own ambition.
Eval: Had it not been for Warwick and his ambition, it is unlikely that the
Lancastrians would have been able to return to power. Therefore it is clear that
Question – ‘Both Edward IV and Richard III faced rebellions during their reigns because of
their usurpation of the throne’. How far do you agree with this statement?
Intro
As usurpers, Edward IV and Richard III inherited unstable thrones and as such rebellions
were common. This was typically seen under Henry IV who also experienced many threats
and rebellions because of his usurpation of the throne. We must also consider both reigns of
Edward IV as his governance was different in each. However, rebellion because of
usurpation was not the only reason the Yorkist kings experienced rebellion, some were the
result of revenge as well as the role of over-mighty subjects.
Para 1 – Edward IV/Richard III did
When Edward IV usurped the throne, he deposed an anointed king and disrupted
the line of succession.
The most serious rebellion that Edward IV faced was that of the Lancastrians which
was a direct result of Edward usurping the throne in 1461. Lancastrian supporters
opposed Edward due to their loyalty to Henry VI
Warwick returns leading the Lancastrian army in September 1470 and forces Edward
IV to flee and Henry VI was reinstated
Richard’s usurpation of the throne from his nephews caused further divisions in an
already disunited realm.
Richard III’s usurpation of the throne and his alleged murder of the princes in the
tower did much to blacken his reputation and contributed to rebellions against him
during his time as king as less were inclined to support him. Richard’s usurpation of
the throne damaged his popularity significantly and his ‘evil personality’ is later
referenced in many sources.
Eval:
Para 2 – Edward IV did not (role of warwick)
Much of the rebellion’s that Edward IV’s experienced was due to the growing
revenge of the earl of Warwick.
After growing alienation from Edward’s government, Warwick changed his allegiance
to the Lancastrian side. He formally reconciled with Margaret of Anjou, evidenced by
the marriage of Prince Edward and his daughter Anne Neville.
It is clear to see that Warwick wanted to advance his own position which can be seen
by his ‘kingmaking’ skills as he successfully placed 2 separate kings on the throne. It
is clear that Warwick had no loyalties, only to himself and his own ambition.
Eval: Had it not been for Warwick and his ambition, it is unlikely that the
Lancastrians would have been able to return to power. Therefore it is clear that
