Wars and social revolt
p. 18 Millennium 1
STUDY QUESTIONS
1.
What was the reason for the “Hundred Years’ War and how did it develop?
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It broke out because of Edward III’s claim to the vacant throne of France. Tragic events such
as the Black Death in 1348 compelled the two armies to interrupt the conflict more than
once. In the end the English lost all their possessions except Calais.
2.
Why did religious and social revolts break out?
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3.
The Lollards attacked the corruption of the Church and spread the knowledge of the
Bible throughout the country. They came from the poorer classes.
The Peasants’ Revolt was more a political than a religious revolt: it opposed the Poll
Tax: a new form of taxation of 12 pennies for each male in the family over fifteen.
Briefly describe the Wars of the Roses. Point out:
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What kind of wars they were
Who fought them
Why they were so called
Who ended them
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It was a civil war fought between the two noble houses of York and Lancaster. It got its
name after the white and red roses which figured in the two families’ coats of arms.
Henry Tudor of the Lancastrian party won the war. He defeated the Yorkish King
Richard III at the battle of Bosworth in 1485 and became the new king of England with
the title of Henry VII of England.