There were a number of factors that led to the Wars of the Roses, including:
- Succession disputes: The Wars of the Roses were primarily caused by disputes over who had the right to succeed to the English throne. After the death of King Henry VI in 1471, there were two rival claimants to the throne: Edward, Earl of March (later Edward IV) of the House of York, and Henry, Earl of Richmond (later Henry VII) of the House of Lancaster. Both men had strong claims to the throne, and their supporters were willing to fight for their respective causes.
- Political instability: The Wars of the Roses also occurred during a period of great political instability in England. The royal government was weak, and there was a lot of unrest in the country. This made it easy for ambitious nobles to raise armies and challenge the authority of the king.
- Personal rivalries: The Wars of the Roses were also fueled by personal rivalries between different noble families. The rivalry between the Houses of Lancaster and York was particularly intense, and it led to many bloody battles.
- International involvement: The Wars of the Roses were also influenced by international events. France supported the Yorkists, while Burgundy supported the Lancastrians. This international support helped to prolong the wars and made them even more bloody.