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How did Henry VII become king?

• War of the Roses - Civil War - 30 years - began with the Battle of St Albans and ended with the Battle of Bosworth. BoB - Richard III killed.
• Red rose - House of Lancaster - Henry Tudor
• White rose - House of York - Richard III
• Henry's strengths: a valuable political pawn, money, soldiers and ships from successfully maneuvering between competing French parties, able to observe court politics, gains support of powerful nobles by making promises, persuaded Richard's commanders to join him, brings French soliders (Foreign support) and walks through richest areas to gain finance (e.g. Shrewsbury).
• Factors beyond Henry's control: mother got supporters together to turn against Richard III, Richard's supporters only backed through fear (Stanley's), Duke of Norfolk killed (Commander in Chief - tactical plan) and Richard leaves protection so is killed.

What problems faced Henry as a new King?

• Self-proclaimed king
• Usurper
• Only became Lancastrian claimant because no one else could fulfil the role (John Beaufort - illegitimate)