Wars Of The Roses Essay

The Renaissance in Europe marked a period of extreme development and improvement that had not ever taken place before on such large scale and would reach as far. Everything during this time was evolving, improving, or changing in some way. Just because of all these enhancements on society occurred does not mean there were not ant struggles, Europeans during this time period encountered many issues and conflicts that would lead to wars. These conflicts fueled by the need for power, the necessity for land, and the desire for religion would redefine the political and social structure of the era.

The need for power dictated much of the decision making process of the leaders during the European Renaissance, and one factor that greatly impacted the struggle of power was the dispute over who should have control over England’s throne and all of its assets. During this time period, power changed hands often and new kings emerged quickly and disappeared frequently. This was a time where the people questioned their authority and who was the rightful ruler of the land. (Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica) The Wars of the Roses, as they became known as devastated most of the upper noble class while the lower and middle classes were indifferent and relatively untouched by it. Starting in 1455, opposing factions met at St. Albans where the first king had been killed, which marked the start of the dynastic civil wars. David Ross noted in regards to the wars that,” In reality these squabbles were an indication of the lawlessness that ran rampant in the land. More squalid than romantic, the Wars of the Roses decimated both houses in an interminably long, bloody struggle for the throne.”(2). It was not until Henry VII defeated a Yorkist r...

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...uguenots under the leadership of Prince de Conde and the King of Navarre.”(Chris Trueman 1). The Huguenot wars finally came to an end when the treaty of Vervins ended the rivalry between the two opposing groups. Despite Catholicism remaining the official religion, the Huguenots were allowed to practice their religion and were guaranteed protection abroad. All the Huguenots had to do was pay taxes and observe catholic holidays, which was nothing to them compared to their religious freedoms.

To conclude, conflicts fueled by the need for power, the necessity for land, and the desire for religion would redefine the political and social structure of the Renaissance era in Europe. Through all the wars, disputes, and clashes a stronger and more powerful society emerged with more humanist focuses that gave the individual person a better quality of living.