Black Death Impact on Feudalism and the War of the Roses
The Black Death and its Impact
Pestilence. To understand the War of the Roses, we need to go back in time. In 1348, the Hundred Years’ War was interrupted by a terrible disease that attacked Europe: the Black Death. Originating in China, it followed the Silk Road. A place in Crimea was attacked by Tartars who threw bodies into the sea and onto ships.
Once in Italy, it spread all over Europe, infecting the entire continent within a few years. The death toll was approximately 20–23 million.
People did not understand the nature of the disease, which was transmitted from rats to fleas and then to humans. Some even believed the Earth was poisoned, including the Church.
The Black Death was more devastating in crowded places, leading to the loss of entire villages. The 14th century was full of calamities, but the Black Death was the most significant.
The End of Feudalism
However, there were positive consequences. The Black Death contributed to the beginning of the end of Feudalism. The loss of many working hands forced changes in feudal services. It was a time of chaos, making it easier for people to escape the control of their lords and move to towns that needed to be repopulated. This was a rural exodus.
The Peasant’s Revolt and the Rise of the Houses
This led to an important revolt in 1381, known as the Peasant’s Revolt. A young king, Richard II, only 14 years old at the time, had to confront the revolt. The English nobility was divided into two main branches: the House of York and the House of Lancaster. Richard II belonged to the House of York. His long rule ended tragically when he was deposed by Henry, who crowned himself Henry IV. This coup d’état transferred the crown from the House of York to the House of Lancaster, which was an offense to the House of York. For three generations, the crown remained in the House of Lancaster with Henry V and Henry VI.
The War of the Roses
Problems arose with Henry VI, who also wore the crown of France and was responsible for England’s final defeat in 1453. All energies then shifted to a new war: the War of the Roses. The House of York had many supporters and soldiers. The war began in 1455, when Henry VI was in power.
Key Battles and Figures
After many battles, Henry VI was killed, and the crown returned to the House of York with Edward IV. Upon his death, the crown passed to his young son, Edward V, who died at a very young age (he and his brother disappeared in the Tower of London). The crown then passed to Edward IV’s brother, Richard III. In 1485, Henry Tudor defeated Richard at the Battle of Bosworth, marking the beginning of the Tudor dynasty.
Shakespeare’s Role
Shakespeare wrote many history plays about the War of the Roses. While money was a factor, he also lived during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, who was a direct descendant of Henry VII. Shakespeare’s plays often defended the House of Lancaster, as he depended on the Queen’s patronage.