The wars that inspired Game of Thrones - Alex Gendler

The Wars of the Roses, a historical conflict in Medieval England, inspired much of the drama in Game of Thrones. The struggle began after the death of King Edward III in 1377 when his 10-year-old grandson, Richard II, inherited the throne instead of Edward's three surviving sons. This led to lingering claims from the Lancaster and York families, descendants of Edward's third and fourth sons, respectively.

The Lancasters first gained the throne when Henry IV deposed Richard II in 1399. Their reign was secure until Henry V's death in 1422, leaving an infant Henry VI as king. Weak-willed and dominated by advisors, Henry VI married Margaret of Anjou, an ambitious and ruthless queen who distrusted Richard of York. York, a loyal advisor, was sidelined, leading to widespread discontent due to military failures and corrupt rule by Margaret and her allies.

Richard of York returned with an army and was appointed Protector of the Realm after Henry VI suffered a mental breakdown. However, Henry's recovery led to the reversal of York's reforms. York raised another army, was reinstated as Protector, and designated as Henry's successor. Despite this, he was killed in battle against the Queen's loyalists.

York's son, Edward IV, took up the claim and was crowned King. He enjoyed military success against the Lancasters, capturing Henry VI and exiling Margaret. However, Edward made a political mistake by secretly marrying the widow of a minor noble, alienating his powerful ally, the Earl of Warwick. Warwick allied with the Lancasters, briefly restoring Henry VI as King, but Edward eventually recaptured the throne, and both Henry and the Lancaster prince died.

After Edward IV's peaceful reign, his death in 1483 led to renewed conflict. Edward's younger brother, Richard III, declared his nephews (Edward's sons) illegitimate and imprisoned them, assuming the regency. Two years later, Henry Tudor, a direct descendant of the first Duke of Lancaster, raised an army in France, defeated Richard III, and by marrying Elizabeth of York, united the two roses, ending nearly a century of war.