How did foreign powers influence the course of the Wars of the Roses?

Foreign powers, particularly France and Burgundy, significantly influenced the Wars of the Roses through financial support, military aid, and diplomatic manoeuvres.

The Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars in England from 1455 to 1487, were not fought in isolation. They were influenced by the wider geopolitics of the time, particularly the actions of foreign powers such as France and Burgundy. These foreign powers played a crucial role in shaping the course of the wars, often using them as a means to further their own interests.

France, for instance, was a key player in the Wars of the Roses. The French monarchy provided financial and military support to the Lancastrian cause, most notably during the reign of King Louis XI. This support was instrumental in enabling Henry Tudor, a Lancastrian claimant to the throne, to mount a successful invasion of England in 1485, culminating in the Battle of Bosworth Field where he defeated Richard III and became King Henry VII. The French support for the Lancastrians was driven by a desire to weaken England, a traditional rival, and to prevent the consolidation of power by the Yorkist faction, which was seen as more hostile to French interests.

Burgundy, on the other hand, was a key ally of the Yorkist faction. The Duchy of Burgundy, under the rule of Charles the Bold and later his daughter Mary, provided financial and military aid to the Yorkists. This support was crucial in enabling Edward IV, a Yorkist claimant, to regain the throne in 1471 after a brief period of Lancastrian rule. The Burgundian support for the Yorkists was driven by a desire to counterbalance the power of France, their traditional rival, and to secure English support for their own territorial ambitions.

Moreover, foreign powers also influenced the Wars of the Roses through diplomatic manoeuvres. For instance, the Treaty of Picquigny in 1475, negotiated between Edward IV of England and Louis XI of France, effectively ended English participation in the Hundred Years' War and led to a period of peace between the two countries. This peace allowed Edward IV to consolidate his rule at home, thereby strengthening the Yorkist faction.

In conclusion, foreign powers played a significant role in shaping the course of the Wars of the Roses. Their financial support, military aid, and diplomatic manoeuvres often tipped the balance of power between the Lancastrian and Yorkist factions, thereby influencing