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Why was Henry VI overthrown in 1461? - Coggle Diagram
Why was Henry VI overthrown in 1461?
Weakness of Henry VI
Henry captured at the battle of Northampton, could not engage or aid the Lancastrians when captured and could not be present at battles to boost morale (like at Ludford Bridge). Additionally, meant that York could pass through the Act of Accord
Henry VI failed to reconcile the tension between the Lancastrians and the Yorkists at any point, enabling this to become a long term factor
Enabled attainders put against the Yorkists during Parliament of Devils and the disinheritance of the Yorkist children - forced the Yorkists into military combat, made no attempt at reconciliation which made it clear that it was the Lancastrians or the Yorkists.
Margaret of Anjou's mistakes
allowed her troops to pillage on their return from Wakefield, gave her and the Lancastrian army a bad reputation which in part led to London refusing to let her in
Margaret begins the battles of Blore Heath and Northampton which result in the death of Audley at Blore Heath and the capture of Henry at Northampton which proves crucial
Margaret doesn't take London when she returns from Wakefield, she has her army but is refused entrance, instead of using military strength to force her way in and ensure Lancastrian power, she returns North - allowing Edward IV and the Yorkists to gain the support of London
Is one of the main drivers of the Yorkist attainder at the Parliament of Devils - forces the Yorkists into military battle and arguably increases support for them
London's support of the Yorkists
Warwick largely won the support of the London merchants who were unhappy with Italian merchants trading in London and stealing their business, Warwick pirated in the summer of 1457 and stole from their ships. Made him very popular with London merchants
London's refusal of Margaret but acceptance of Edward showed where the public's opinion lied. London's support was a significant factor in deciding who could be king and Edward ultimately won it - allowing him to claim himself King on March 4th
Breaking the Act of Accord
The death of York arguably broke the act of accord which helped Edward justify overthrowing Henry
The death of York began a blood feud which would not be stopped until Edward became the king
Yorkist military strength
Warwick had his garrison - no Henry on the battlefield meant they remained loyal to him
No quarter was given and many Lancastrian nobles killed - got rid of lot of opposition
Yorkists outflanked on the right but the return of Norfolk with more troops led to victory
Luck
The weather at the battle of Towton was beneficial to the Yorkists - the wind blew their arrow further and the Lancastrian's arrow back at themselves, giving the Yorkists a large advantage
Snow meant that sight was impaired and confusion for the Lancastrian army
The return of Norfolk with more troops arrived at the right time and allowed the Yorkists to beat the Lancastrians