Overview
For this research paper, I will concentrate on the happenings of the War of the Roses in 1455-1487. The War of the Roses commences as Henry VI’s mental health begins to deteriorate. Due to King Henry VI’s indisposition and consequent weak rule, Richard, Duke of York acquired an interest in seizing the English throne for himself. Opposing the York house was Henry Tudor of Lancaster. Throughout the bout of the War of the Roses, Sun Tzu’s philosophies dictated in his book, “The Art of War,” were incorporated in regards to spy work and espionage. Using Sun Tzu’s works, I will show similarities and try to effectively argue that the War of the Roses took a page out of Sun Tzu’s playbook.
Background
The prominent House of Lancaster was established …show more content…
These spies would go behind enemy lines and risk their lives in order to gather intelligence that could be vital to the war effort. The idea of spies and espionage is an age-old tradition that is discussed in detail in Sun Tzu’s famous writings, The Art of War. Sun Tzu itemizes the use of spies and vaguely explains their usefulness. Through observing the War of the Roses, one could argue that both the Lancaster’s and the York’s incorporated the idea of spies and espionage as it relates to the art of war. A focal aspect in the War of the Roses was the use of excellent communication. It is known that effective communication is essential to winning a war. It is a strong possibility that this idea was copied from The Art of War. In chapter 13, Sun Tzu states, “Intelligence is of the essence in warfare- it is what the armies depend upon in their every move.” During the War of the Roses and especially during the times were countries had courts and ambassadors, spying was a common practice. Each royal family during this time had a royal court that consisted of nobles of their country. In addition to nobles, different countries would send an ambassador to be part of the enemy’s court. This ambassador was supposedly there on a diplomatic agenda to rely messages from the enemy. It was an early form of “international diplomacy.” While they were invited to the enemy’s court, the ambassador was actually working undercover to observe and report any happenings and any news they overheard. This form of espionage proved to be invaluable during the wars. As Sun Tzu would put it, “There is nowhere you cannot put spies to good use.” Many important plans and strategies were foiled by infiltrators who passed on the blueprints of the idea to the
For this research paper, I will concentrate on the happenings of the War of the Roses in 1455-1487. The War of the Roses commences as Henry VI’s mental health begins to deteriorate. Due to King Henry VI’s indisposition and consequent weak rule, Richard, Duke of York acquired an interest in seizing the English throne for himself. Opposing the York house was Henry Tudor of Lancaster. Throughout the bout of the War of the Roses, Sun Tzu’s philosophies dictated in his book, “The Art of War,” were incorporated in regards to spy work and espionage. Using Sun Tzu’s works, I will show similarities and try to effectively argue that the War of the Roses took a page out of Sun Tzu’s playbook.
Background
The prominent House of Lancaster was established …show more content…
These spies would go behind enemy lines and risk their lives in order to gather intelligence that could be vital to the war effort. The idea of spies and espionage is an age-old tradition that is discussed in detail in Sun Tzu’s famous writings, The Art of War. Sun Tzu itemizes the use of spies and vaguely explains their usefulness. Through observing the War of the Roses, one could argue that both the Lancaster’s and the York’s incorporated the idea of spies and espionage as it relates to the art of war. A focal aspect in the War of the Roses was the use of excellent communication. It is known that effective communication is essential to winning a war. It is a strong possibility that this idea was copied from The Art of War. In chapter 13, Sun Tzu states, “Intelligence is of the essence in warfare- it is what the armies depend upon in their every move.” During the War of the Roses and especially during the times were countries had courts and ambassadors, spying was a common practice. Each royal family during this time had a royal court that consisted of nobles of their country. In addition to nobles, different countries would send an ambassador to be part of the enemy’s court. This ambassador was supposedly there on a diplomatic agenda to rely messages from the enemy. It was an early form of “international diplomacy.” While they were invited to the enemy’s court, the ambassador was actually working undercover to observe and report any happenings and any news they overheard. This form of espionage proved to be invaluable during the wars. As Sun Tzu would put it, “There is nowhere you cannot put spies to good use.” Many important plans and strategies were foiled by infiltrators who passed on the blueprints of the idea to the