How far had the reasons for conflict changed by 1461? (-1461)

Question 1

What were motivations at the First Battle of St Albans?

Answer 1

• remove Somerset from government
• possession of Henry VI

Question 2

What were motivations at the Battle of Ludford Bridge?

Answer 2

• needed to march to London to defend their power, feared attainder

Question 3

What were motivations at the Battle of Towton?

Answer 3

• consolidate Yorkist throne
• destroy Lancastrians

Question 4

Reasons for major changes in motivations between 1455-61

Answer 4

• blood feuds from First Battle of St. Albans (22nd May 1455)
• Margaret turned war regional by moving government to Coventry in Apr 1456, alienated London and SE
• threat of attainder (+ Parliament of Devils later) means Yorkists were fighting to survive
• invasion in 1460 sought to dynastically destroy Lancs
• Yorkist claims to throne (York in Oct 1460, Act of Accord in Oct 1460, Edward on 1st Mar 1460)

Question 5

Reasons for no changes in motivations between 1455-61

Answer 5

• possession of Henry was key motivation at First Battle of St. Albans (1455), Northampton (1460) and Second Battle of St. Albans (1461)
• Henry and his government were consistently incompetent and unpopular, unable to unite the nobility
• blood feuds (from 1455 onwards) were constant and reoccurring