History
The War of the Roses Explained
A concise explanation of the War of the Roses, the 15th-century English civil wars between the houses of York and Lancaster for the throne.
What is it?
The Wars of the Roses was a series of English civil wars fought between 1455 and 1487 for control of the throne. The conflict was a dynastic struggle between two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet: the House of Lancaster, symbolized by a red rose, and the House of York, represented by a white rose. Both houses claimed the throne through descent from King Edward III. The decades of intermittent fighting and brutal battles culminated in 1485 at the Battle of Bosworth Field. There, the Lancastrian claimant Henry Tudor defeated the last Yorkist king, Richard III, and established the Tudor dynasty by marrying Elizabeth of York, uniting the two houses.
Why is it trending?
This historical conflict remains a subject of fascination as it marked a major turning point in English history, effectively ending the Middle Ages in England. The wars led to the fall of the Plantagenet dynasty and the rise of the influential Tudors. The dramatic power struggles, betrayals, and key figures have been famously immortalized by William Shakespeare, ensuring their place in popular culture. The constant intrigue and brutal warfare continue to inspire modern books, films, and television series, making it a perpetually compelling period for historians and the public alike.
How does it affect people?
While fought by nobles, the wars caused immense disruption for the common people. Constant conflict led to the destruction of homes and farms, creating economic instability, food shortages, and widespread lawlessness. Many ordinary men were conscripted into the private armies of lords. The wars ultimately decimated the English nobility, with many families wiped out and their lands confiscated by the Crown. This concentration of power significantly weakened the old feudal system, strengthened the central monarchy, and paved the way for the more stable, centralized government under the Tudor dynasty.