"O! Pity, pity; gentle Heaven, pity.

The red rose and the white rose on his face.

The fatal colours of our striving houses."

The War of the Roses basically began because Edward III had too many sons. The kings during this historical period were either tyrants, crazy, or not intelligent. Conflicts and betrayals sparked everywhere. And thus, the War of the Roses was the most complex and influential war in English history.

Edward III had won many of victories but his death was sadly ignominious for such a momentous reign-for King Edward had time and again humbled the French during his campaigns in the Hundred Years War, wreaking destruction their lands and thrashing their navies and armies at the celebrated battles of Sluys and Crecy. ("War of the Roses"). He died in 1377 and his son Edward the Black Prince became king and even captured the French king. Unfortunately for him, he was past his prime and the French fought back and reclaimed most of what was lost in less than a decade. Then Edward III's eldest son, Richard II, took claim to the throne. Richard II was a tyrant, egomaniac, and had an evil

Edward IV was a well-loved and excellent ruler, but he made more trouble by marrying a commoner, Elizabeth Woodville, widow of a Lancastrian knight. Warwick had been sent to arrange a marriage between Edward IV and the sister of the French queen. They were a large and ambitious family, and Elizabeth managed to increase their positions through her marriage. This created devastation among the old nobility and caused fierce resentment on the part of Warwick, who felt Edward had betrayed him. Therefore, in 1469, Warwick joined forces with his eldest enemy and the leader of the Lancastrians, Margaret of Anjou, and her son Edward of Lancaster. Invading England, Warwick took quick control. Edward IV and his youngest brother Richard III fled to Burgundy surprised by the attack of a friend. Warwick released Henry VI from his tower prison and declared him king once more. Within a few months, Edward IV and Richard returned. Richard managed to convince George, Duke of Clarence, t!

"Campaigns and Combat" The War of the Roses http://www.northcoast.com/~ming/roses/battles.html (3/30/01)

"The Stage is Set" The War of the Roses http://www.northcoast.com/~ming/roses/throne.html (3/29/01)

England weep in streams of blood." ("The Stage is Set")

Obviously the fall of Richard II was the chief cause for the War of the Roses. Usurping is a very dangerous way to take the throne. Moreover, many said that God would punish the perfidious usurper Henry. ("The War of the Roses") The peasants who hated Richard II in life now spread rumors that he was alive. This was a focal point of many rebellions. They began to stir and the Welsh, as well as their legendary leader Owen Glendover, urged them on. Owen entered an unholy alliance with the Percies and began an uprising. Henry had a difficult time putting down this uprising and yet the planning to plot against the king continued.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1311
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)