Edward IV's first reign Flashcards
Examines to what extent Edward's first reign was successful and the reasons why he lost the throne in 1470
How did Edward raise funding and men for the Battle of Towton?
He funded his campaign with the help of the city of London. He secured loans from Londoners, merchants and religious houses.
He offered to pardon anyone who submitted to him within ten days, helping to raise support.
Why was Edward able to win the Battle of Towton?
i) The Lancastrians made a mistake in breaking the bridge at Tadcaster
ii) The poor weather meant that the wind blew snow into Lancastrian faces. They were unable to see an attack from Norfolk at the end of the battle
iii) Edward demonstrated inspirational leadership with powerful speeches. Henry VI was missing because it was Palm Sunday.
How did Margaret of Anjou cause Edward problems during his first reign?
She was willing to use any means at her disposal to restore her husband to the throne. Margaret offered Berwick to the Scots, and promised Louis XI Calais in return for support.
How did Henry VI cause Edward IV problems during his first reign?
He was able to act as a figurehead for the Lancastrian cause.
What was the name of the castle that Edward returned to Percy?
Dunstanburgh Castle
What was the name of the castle that Somerset helped Edward capture?
Alnwick Castle
What is evidence of the failure of conciliation?
- Percy died fighting at the Battle of Hedgely Moor.
- Somerset died fighting at the Battle of Hexham
Both battles were defeats for the Lancastrians at the hands of Lord Montagu.
How did Edward improve the financial position of the Crown?
i) Persuaded London merchants to lend to the Crown
ii) Edward granted taxation for two military campaigns one against Scotland (1462) and one against France (1468), but each time did not fight, instead choosing to pocket the money
iii) Income from customs duties gradually rose during the reign
iv) Chamber System of Finance
v) Land Revenue Experiment
How did Edward IV deal with law and order during his first reign?
He showed a keen, personal interest in administering justice. He toured the Midlands and North, settling disputes. Edward introduced legislation which prevented nobles from retaining large armies, but did not particularly enforce this.
In what direction did Edward choose to steer his foreign policy during his first reign?
In November 1467, he signed a commercial alliance with Burgundy that was reinforced by the marriage of Edward’s sister to the new Duke of Burgundy. Edward was more in tune with popular opinion which had memory of the Hundred Years War fresh in their minds. Edward also signed an alliance with Brittany in the same year.
How did Louis XI react to Edward’s alliances with Burgundy and Brittany?
He sponsored an attack by Jasper Tudor in support of Lancastrians still holding Harlech Castle. The Herberts dealt with the attack relatively easily. However, it did demonstrate the threat that foreign support for Lancastrians could cause.
How did Scotland and France pose a problem for Edward at the start of his first reign?
Scotland supported a French attack on the Channel Islands in 1461. The campaign was cancelled when Louis XI came to the throne.
How did Edward mitigate the problem of France and Scotland at the start of his reign?
He signed a truce with France in October 1463.
He signed a truce with Scotland in December 1463.
Why did the Woodville marriage antagonise Warwick?
Warwick had been negotiating a French match for Edward when the secret marriage was announced. Elizabeth’s father replaced Warwick’s uncle as treasurer.
What demonstrates that the Woodvilles dominated the marriage market?
Elizabeth Woodville had:
- five brothers
- seven sisters
- two sons
