AQA_2024: AS History - The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499 Component 2B: The Fall of the House of Lancaster, 1450–1471 (Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme)

AQA_2024: AS History - The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499 Component 2B: The Fall of the House of Lancaster, 1450–1471 (Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme) AS HISTORY The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499 Component 2B The Fall of the House of Lancaster, 1450–1471 Monday 20 May 2024 Materials For this paper you must have:  an AQA 16-page answer book. Instructions Afternoon Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes  Use black ink or black ball-point pen.  Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is 7041/2B.  Answer two questions. In Section A answer Question 01. In Section B answer either Question 02 or Question 03. Information  The marks for questions are shown in brackets.  The maximum mark for this paper is 50.  You will be marked on your ability to: – use good English – organise information clearly – use specialist vocabulary where appropriate. Advice  You are advised to spend about: – 50 minutes on Section A – 40 minutes on Section B. For AS History: The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499, Component 2B: The Fall of the House of Lancaster, 1450–1471, focus on the following key areas: 1. Background of the Wars of the Roses:  The Causes of the Wars: Understand the root causes of the conflict, including dynastic rivalry, economic instability, and the weakness of Henry VI, which undermined the Lancaster's rule and created opportunities for the Yorkists to challenge the throne. 2. Weakness of Henry VI:  Mental Health Issues: Henry VI’s mental breakdown () left him incapable of ruling, allowing the Duke of York to emerge as a key challenger to the throne. This instability exacerbated tensions between the rival factions.  Discontent among the Nobility: Key Lancastrian nobles, such as William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, were blamed for mismanaging the crown's finances, further alienating the nobility and strengthening Yorkist opposition. 3. Key Events Leading to the Fall of the Lancastrians:  The Battle of St. Albans (1455): This battle marked the first major military engagement of the Wars of the Roses. It was a Yorkist victory and highlighted the increasing power of Richard, Duke of York, as he took control of the government.  The Role of Queen Margaret of Anjou: Queen Margaret, wife of Henry VI, was a strong and determined defender of the Lancastrian cause, rallying forces to resist the Yorkists and striving to maintain her husband’s throne. 4. The Reign of Richard, Duke of York:  The Protectorate (1454–1455): Richard, Duke of York, was made Protector of England during Henry VI’s illness, which led to increasing tensions with the Queen and the Lancastrian faction. York’s assertiveness in government alienated many.  Rivalry between York and Margaret: The Queen’s opposition to York’s growing influence led to open conflict, and she used her position to rally support for her son, Edward of Westminster, to succeed Henry VI. 5. The Battle of Towton (1461):  Decisive Yorkist Victory: Towton was the largest and bloodiest battle of the Wars of the Roses. The Yorkists, led by Edward IV, decisively defeated the Lancastrians, leading to Henry VI’s temporary deposition and the beginning of Edward IV's reign. 6. The Downfall of the Lancastrians (1461–1471):  Edward IV’s Ascension: After the Battle of Towton, Edward IV took the throne, forcing Henry VI into exile. However, the Lancastrian cause remained active, with the Queen, Margaret of Anjou, leading efforts to reclaim the throne for her son. 7. Battle of Tewkesbury (1471):  Final Lancastrian Defeat: Edward IV's forces decisively defeated the Lancastrians, leading to the death of Prince Edward, the Lancastrian heir, and the death of Henry VI in the Tower of London. This effectively ended the Lancastrian challenge to the throne, marking the fall of the House of Lancaster. 7041/2B IB/M/Jun24/G4002/E4 2 Section A Answer Question 01. Source A From a written address to the citizens of Shrewsbury by Richard of York, 3 February 1452. Richard is seeking support for a march on London. It is known that the Duke of Somerset had the command of the lands lost in France. After my coming out of Ireland, as the King’s true servant (as I ever shall be to my life’s end), I brought to His Majesty’s attention articles concerning the well-being of his most royal person and the tranquillity and conservation of the realm. This advice was laid aside through the envy, malice, and untruth of the Duke of Somerset. He works continually for my undoing and to disinherit me, my heirs, and those around me, without just cause. I am determined to proceed against the Duke of Somerset, with the help of my kinsmen and friends, to promote the peace of this land. 5 Source B From a petition to Henry VI from the parliament of November 1459, later called the ‘Parliament of Devils’. This condemned Richard of York’s actions in the years 1450 to 1452. In various parliaments, Richard of York made crafty efforts to diminish your royal authority. Also, continuing in his malicious intention, he planned by devious means to achieve his purpose by force. He wrote to many boroughs and towns of this your noble realm, and to many people, to raise a general insurrection on the pretext of the common good. He planned to give battle to you, our sovereign lord, at Dartford in 1452, and so destroy your most noble person. But when he realised your knightly courage and the might of your followers, he, being unable to withstand you, surrendered. Out of his free will and desire, he took an oath in St Paul’s Cathedral. 5 0 1 With reference to these sources and your understanding of the historical context, which of these two sources is more valuable in explaining why there was conflict in England in the years 1450 to 1452? [25 marks] IB/M/Jun24/7041/2B 3 Section B Answer either Question 02 or Question 03. Either 0 2 ‘The Yorkists were motivated by a desire to seize the throne in the years 1459 to 1461.’ Explain why you agree or disagree with this view. [25 marks] or 0 3 ‘The Woodvilles were the most important influence on Edward IV in the years 1464 to 1469.’ Explain why you agree or disagree with this view. [25 marks] END OF QUESTIONS IB/M/Jun24/7041/2B 4 There are no questions printed on this page