A new era in world history can usually be marked by some event that causes great social or political upheaval. In England between 1455 and 1487, a dynastic power struggle between two houses of the Plantagenet royal family marks the beginning of the English early modern period. This contention for the throne was known as the Wars of the Roses, and was a large factor in the end of feudalism in England. While most other major powers in Europe had already begun the transition into modernity, England was slightly behind, and its government was still largely decentralized, with most areas ruled by a semi-local lord or earl. This allowed for much contention in the English court, and, after a generation of powerful Lords in the Plantagenet family with
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Traditionally depicted as weak-willed and dominated by his wife Margaret of Anjou, he was probably not suited very well for the throne, though he did appreciate and care for his kingdom. Margaret is generally said to be cold, vicious, and willing to do anything to keep herself in power, but she may have just been trying to protect her family’s future. Henry’s reign began when he was very young, and his kingdom was ruled by a group of advisors who probably became too attached to their power for them to completely give it up when Henry came of age. He was well-educated and loved to read and learn, but was unfortunately not very clever (Weir, 91). His sheltered childhood led him to be dominated by his advisors, and did whatever his favourites told him to, including marrying Margaret of Anjou, a Queen “Not worth 10 marks,” both because of her lack of a proper dowry, and her French nationality (Weir). Henry had “a peculiar talent for surrounding himself with the most rapicious, self-seeking and unpopular magnates, in heeding whose advice he showed a marked lack of political judgement,” leading to much corruption within his court by his wife and her favourites. The Queen was aware that she was not welcomed by the English subjects, and knew Henry was under her control completely, so she used this to her advantage, getting her favourite noblemen, notably the Earls of Suffolk and Somerset. Her
Traditionally depicted as weak-willed and dominated by his wife Margaret of Anjou, he was probably not suited very well for the throne, though he did appreciate and care for his kingdom. Margaret is generally said to be cold, vicious, and willing to do anything to keep herself in power, but she may have just been trying to protect her family’s future. Henry’s reign began when he was very young, and his kingdom was ruled by a group of advisors who probably became too attached to their power for them to completely give it up when Henry came of age. He was well-educated and loved to read and learn, but was unfortunately not very clever (Weir, 91). His sheltered childhood led him to be dominated by his advisors, and did whatever his favourites told him to, including marrying Margaret of Anjou, a Queen “Not worth 10 marks,” both because of her lack of a proper dowry, and her French nationality (Weir). Henry had “a peculiar talent for surrounding himself with the most rapicious, self-seeking and unpopular magnates, in heeding whose advice he showed a marked lack of political judgement,” leading to much corruption within his court by his wife and her favourites. The Queen was aware that she was not welcomed by the English subjects, and knew Henry was under her control completely, so she used this to her advantage, getting her favourite noblemen, notably the Earls of Suffolk and Somerset. Her