Edward’s First Reign Vs Second Reign

Question 1

Edward IV’s First Reign (1461–1470)

Answer 1

Good Points:
- Establishment of Authority: Successfully deposed the Lancastrian Henry VI, establishing the Yorkist line on the throne in June 1461. Edward IV defeated the Lancastrian forces at the Battle of Towton on March 29, 1461.

• Military Successes: Achieved several decisive victories, such as at the Battle of Towton in 1461, where he secured his kingship but also at the Battle of Mortimer’s Cross (February 1461)
• Early Support Base: Initially received strong backing from powerful nobles, including the Earl of Warwick (“The Kingmaker”).
• Administration Reforms: Edward began administrative reforms by establishing the Council of the North in 1463 , creating a royal presence in the region and curtailing the influence of rebellious nobles.
• Edward’s fair taxation policies and encouragement of trade boosted his popularity among merchants. The growth of the wool trade during his reign increased royal revenues and satisfied the economically powerful merchant class, particularly in London.

Example Sentence: Edward IV’s military victories solidified his claim to the throne.

Question 2

Edward IV’s First Reign (1461–1470)

Answer 2

Bad Points:
- Dependence on Warwick: Edward’s reliance on Warwick backfired when he secretly married Elizabeth Woodville in May 1464 until forced to reveal it in September 1464, a move that humiliated Warwick, who had been negotiating a political marriage alliance with France with bona of savoy. This undermined Edward’s partnership with Warwick and eventually led to Warwick’s rebellion.

• Lack of Political Foresight: Failed to balance noble factions, allowing rivalries to escalate into rebellions. In 1466 Earl Rivers became treasurer of England in place of Lord Mountjoy, Warwick’s uncle.
• Weak Political Stability: His rule was undermined by persistent Lancastrian supporters and shifting allegiances, leading to frequent unrest. April 1469 – Robin of Redesdale’s rebellion began. It is widely believed that the leader was really Sir John Conyers, a Neville supporter, acting for Warwick.
• Lost Control to Rebels: The alliance between Warwick and Edward’s brother, George, Duke of Clarence, led to Edward’s temporary overthrow in 1470. July 1469 – Warwick and Clarence issued a manifesto attached to a copy of the rebels’ petition. They condemned the misrule of the Woodvilles and called for the influence of the ‘princes of the blood’

Additional Information: Edward IV’s reliance on Warwick backfired when Warwick turned against him.

Question 3

Edward IV’s First Reign (1461–1470)

Answer 3

Limitations:
- Internal Divisions: Internal dissent and rivalry within the Yorkist camp weakened his rule.
- Lack of Long-term Security: Despite military prowess, Edward struggled to establish long-term political security, leading to his exile in 1470.

Example Sentence: Internal divisions among the Yorkists proved detrimental to Edward IV’s long-term rule.

Question 4

Edward IV’s Second Reign (1471–1483)

Answer 4

Good Points:

• Restoration and Consolidation of Power:
  
  • Example: Edward IV’s second reign began after his triumphant return to England in 1471, culminating in the Battle of Barnet (April 14, 1471) where he killed Warwick, and the Battle of Tewkesbury (May 4, 1471), where he crushed the Lancastrians and killed the Prince of Wales, Edward of Westminster. This effectively ended the Lancastrian threat.
• Strengthened the Monarchy:
  
  • Example: Edward sought to weaken the power of magnates by reclaiming royal lands through Acts of Resumption. He also implemented policies to keep nobles financially dependent on the crown, such as limiting their access to revenues from estates.
• Economic and Financial Reforms:
  
  • Example: Edward’s introduction of Benevolences (forced loans from wealthy subjects) helped fill the royal treasury. He also boosted English trade through the Treaty of Utrecht (1474) with the Hanseatic League, which expanded English wool exports.
• Peaceful Domestic Policy:
  
  • Example: During his second reign, Edward was able to suppress minor uprisings quickly and maintain relative internal peace. For instance, he pacified the northern counties by appointing his brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester, as his loyal lieutenant in the region.
• Effective Use of Propaganda:
  
  • Example: Edward utilized grand ceremonies and public acts of charity, such as his largesse to the Church and endowment of St. George’s Chapel at Windsor. These actions portrayed him as a pious and rightful king, solidifying his image as a legitimate ruler.

Example Sentence: Edward IV’s economic reforms stabilized the monarchy’s financial situation.

Question 5

Edward IV’s Second Reign (1471–1483) (bad points)

Answer 5

Bad Points:

• Excessive Spending and Luxury:
  
  • Example: Edward IV’s court became known for its extravagance. He spent lavishly on new palaces and luxury items, such as tapestries and jewels. His opulent lifestyle strained the royal finances, despite his fiscal reforms.
• Nepotism and Favoritism:
  
  • Example: Edward’s favoring of the Woodville family, especially promoting his brother-in-law Anthony Woodville as the guardian of his son and heir, Prince Edward, alienated many long-standing Yorkist supporters. This favoritism led to deep resentment and mistrust among the nobility.
• Foreign Policy Failures:
  
  • Example: Edward’s plan to invade France in 1475 ended in a humiliating climbdown, resulting in the Treaty of Picquigny. He accepted a pension of 50,000 crowns per annum and withdrew his troops, gaining short-term financial relief but losing face.
• Failed Succession Planning:
  
  • Example: Edward did not groom his son Edward V effectively. Upon his death in 1483, his son was only 12 years old, which left the boy vulnerable to manipulation by rival factions and ultimately led to his uncle Richard, Duke of Gloucester, seizing the throne.
• Alienation of Key Nobles:
  
  • Example: The execution of his brother, George, Duke of Clarence, in 1478, for treason created a sense of betrayal and showcased Edward’s ruthlessness. This action isolated his remaining brother Richard and left the royal family deeply fractured.

Additional Information: Edward IV’s lavish lifestyle alienated many of his supporters.

Question 6

Edward IV’s Second Reign (1471–1483) (limitations)

Answer 6

Limitations:

• Personal Health:
  
  • Example: Edward’s health declined rapidly in the early 1480s. He became overweight and suffered from poor health, which hampered his ability to lead and manage the government effectively.
• Instability After Death:
  
  • Example: The unexpected nature of Edward’s death in April 1483 left his young son unprepared and without a solid support system, making it easy for Richard to declare Edward’s children illegitimate and take the throne himself.
• Short-term Focus:
  
  • Example: Edward’s emphasis on personal loyalty and short-term financial gain did not build lasting alliances. Many of his political strategies unraveled quickly after his death, leading to the collapse of the Yorkist regime within months.

Example Sentence: Edward IV’s health issues impacted his ability to govern effectively.