英语国家概况资料之TransitiontotheModernAge.docVIP

Chapter 4 Transition to the Modern Age, (1455-1688) 1. Transition to the Modern Age (1455-1485) Although the Plantagenet kings of the 14th and 15th centuries were fairly successful in some ways (e. g. in their relations with Scotland, and their tight control of Wales), foreign wars and domestic unrest prompted a revival of baronial activity, reminiscent of the 13th century troubles. This time the instability was caused by the two branches of the Plantagenet family, the House of Lancaster and the House of York between 1455 and 1485. The name Wars of the Roses was, in fact, coined by the great 19th century novelist Sir Walter Scott, but it has become the accepted way of referring to these battles between the great House of Lancaster, symbolized by the red rose, and that of York, symbolized by the white. In 1453 England was at last defeated in the Hundred Years War. At that time power in England was in the hands of a number of rich and ambitious nobles. Because the Hundred Years War ended, they had to seek a new outlet for their ambition by an attempt to dominate the government at home - There was also a mass of unemployed soldiers - The interests of the majority of the common people were not deeply engaged. In 1455, after Henry VI (1422-1461) had completely lost his reason and government put into the hands of a Protector, war broke out between the Yorkists led by Richard, Duke of York, and the Lancastrians led by John Beaufout, Duke of Somerset. More wars were fought between the two sides in 1459 and 1460. In 1461 the Duke of Yorks son, Edward, emerged the victor, and was proclaimed as Edward IV (1461-1483). Edward reigned for most of the duration of these wars. He set about restoring the finances of the Crown and the disrupted export trade of the country, and gave the country a measure of prosperity. Edward IV died in 1483 and his thirteen- year-old son was proclaimed his successor as Edward V (1483). While awaiting his coronation the new King and his