How did the War of the Two Peters reflect wider crises in monarchy?

The War of the Two Peters reflected wider crises in monarchy through the issues of succession, legitimacy, and international alliances.

The War of the Two Peters, fought between 1356 and 1375, was a conflict between Peter of Castile and Peter IV of Aragon. This war was not just a personal feud between two rulers, but a reflection of the wider crises in monarchy during the period. One of the key issues was that of succession. Both Peters claimed the throne of Castile, leading to a bitter and protracted conflict. This was a common problem in monarchies of the time, where the rules of succession were often unclear or disputed, leading to instability and conflict.

Another issue reflected in the War of the Two Peters was the question of legitimacy. Peter of Castile was seen by many as a tyrant, and his rule was marked by violence and repression. This led to a crisis of legitimacy, with many of his subjects questioning his right to rule. This was a common problem in monarchies of the time, where the legitimacy of the ruler was often tied to their personal conduct and the way they treated their subjects.

Finally, the War of the Two Peters also reflected the wider issue of international alliances. Both Peters sought support from other European powers, with Peter of Castile aligning with England and Peter IV of Aragon aligning with France. This was a common feature of monarchies of the time, where rulers often relied on alliances with other powers to bolster their own position. However, these alliances could also lead to conflict, as was the case in the War of the Two Peters.

In conclusion, the War of the Two Peters was not just a personal feud between two rulers, but a reflection of the wider crises in monarchy during the period. The issues of succession, legitimacy, and international alliances that were central to the conflict were common problems in monarchies of the time, leading to instability and conflict.