Question
Examine the reasons for England’s loss in the war with France (1415–1453) and its results for England.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates must consider the period from 1415 to 1453 and address the reasons why England’s success in 1415 had become a defeat by 1453. They are also expected to offer a consideration of the immediate and short to mid-term impact upon England of that change in its fortunes.
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Reasons:
• The loss of key leaders such as Henry V and the Duke of Bedford who had been responsible for English victory up to 1435.
• The minority of Henry VI led to a weakened and divided leadership in England as factions struggled to control the child-king.
• The desertion of Burgundy to France in 1435 removed England’s strongest ally and significantly strengthened the French.
• French morale revived under Charles VII and Joan of Arc and the French were more united, confident and better able to use their strength.
• The English economy was having trouble paying for the war. French victories and unpopular English policies in France led to widespread popular revolts that the English forces could not contain; this spirit of national revival in France greatly helped the French military.
• The French also made significant reforms in their military and mobilized their superior resources more effectively.
Results:
• England lost all her territory in France except Calais.
• France became a much more powerful country compared to England.
• Many English families lost large amounts of land as a result and there was general discontent with the government over the losses.
• The higher taxes caused by the war weakened the English economy and led to considerable unrest.
• The loss of the war had a significant role in fomenting the Wars of the Roses.
Question
Examine the impact on royal authority of either the Wars of the Roses or the War of the Public Weal.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates must select one of the named exemplars and provide a consideration of how far-reaching its impact was on royal authority. Candidates may choose to look at other factors to provide context, but the majority of the response should focus on the chosen named factor.
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The War of the Public Weal:
• This was an attempt to limit the power of the French monarchy.
• The short-term impact was to force concessions from King Louis IX and to create a struggle for power among various factions over the next decade. This struggle resulted in civil war and divided authority in France.
• The long-term impact was to increase royal authority as the League was unable to maintain its unity and the king was able to restore his authority through war, diplomacy, alliances and luck.
• The result was greatly expanded royal authority as all rivals were eliminated or forced to submit to the king. The collapse of the House of Burgundy as a rival to the king of France was also a consequence. The Wars of the Roses:
• The short-term impact was a severe decline in royal authority as powerful groups challenged and replaced the king.
• Contenders for the throne engaged in warfare and there was a constant threat to the king and his authority.
• The nobility became more powerful as they raised private armies to support contenders to the throne and kings had to solicit their support.
• The status and prestige of the monarchy was seriously reduced during this period.
• In the longer term the power of the monarchy was increased as the population grew to desire a strong ruler who would end internal strife.
• The constant warfare and the expense of it weakened aristocratic power.
• New influential classes emerged in the urban and commercial areas who wished to see a return of order and their support eventually produced a powerful central monarchy under Henry VII.
• The Wars of the Roses ended all feudal power and placed government in the hands of a powerful, central monarchy.
Question
“Edward II’s removal from the throne in 1327 was the result of his failures as a military leader.” Discuss.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the assertion that Edward II’s deposition was because of his unsuccessful military leadership. When considering this issue, which was a key role of medieval kings, candidates may refer to Bannockburn and the humiliating treaty with Scotland, or the military failure in Gascony. Other factors that might be discussed include his relationship with favourites such as Gaveston and the Despensers; their domination of patronage aroused the hostility of key magnates and of parliament. Edward’s weak and unreliable character may also be considered. Queen Isabella’s—and her favourite, Mortimer’s—actions, and their control of the young Edward, who was perceived to be a suitable successor, may also have been crucial to the deposition.
Question
Evaluate the reasons why ducal Burgundy became a major power in the late 14th and early 15th centuries.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the significance of the various reasons why Burgundy emerged as a major power. Reasons may be political and dynastic, and may include the expansion of territory in the Low Countries. The acquisition of titles, such as the Duke of Brabant or Counts of Hainault and Luxemburg, increased the power of the dynasty. Various marriages also benefitted the dynasty. The endowment of Burgundy by Philip in 1363 began the process of political independence from France. Burgundy’s actions in the Hundred Years War also increased its importance in relation to a weakened France. Economically Burgundy was prosperous with key cloth towns such as Bruges and Ghent, as well as developed financial structures such as credit facilities and banking houses. Burgundy was an international trading centre that benefitted from tolls on trade and made it enormously wealthy.