Answer: The War of the Roses.
Some extra relevant information:
The war that was fought between the British houses of Lancaster and York for the throne of England is commonly known as the Wars of the Roses. This conflict took place between 1455 and 1487 and was a significant chapter in British history.
The Wars of the Roses originated from a complex web of political, economic, and personal factors. The House of Lancaster, represented by the red rose, and the House of York, symbolized by the white rose, both had valid claims to the throne. The root of the conflict can be traced back to the deposition of Richard II in 1399, which eventually led to a power struggle between the two houses.
The battles were not continuous, but rather occurred periodically over the course of several decades. The conflict officially began in 1455 with the First Battle of St Albans, where the Yorkists triumphed over the Lancastrians. This marked the first major clash in the war.
Key figures on the Lancastrian side included King Henry VI and his influential queen, Margaret of Anjou. The Yorkists were led by figures such as Richard, Duke of York, and his son, Edward, Earl of March, later known as Edward IV.
The Wars of the Roses witnessed several notable battles, such as the Battle of Towton in 1461, which resulted in a decisive Yorkist victory. This battle led to Edward IV ascending the throne and marked a turning point in the conflict. However, the wars continued to ebb and flow with subsequent battles, including the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471, where the Lancastrians suffered a major defeat.
Ultimately, the Yorkist faction emerged victorious with the ascension of Edward IV and the establishment of the House of York on the throne. The wars officially ended with the Battle of Stoke Field in 1487, where Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch, defeated the last remnants of Lancastrian resistance.
The Wars of the Roses had a profound impact on English society. It led to a significant loss of life, particularly among the nobility, and caused political instability. Moreover, it marked the end of the feudal era and set the stage for the rise of the Tudor dynasty.
In conclusion, the Wars of the Roses were a series of conflicts fought between the houses of Lancaster and York for control of the English throne. This tumultuous period in British history shaped the destiny of the nation and left a lasting legacy.