| Date | May 2019 | Marks available | 15 | Reference code | 19M.3op4.HL.TZ0.6 |
| Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (History of Europe) | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Evaluate | Question number | 6 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Section 3: Late medieval political crises (1300–1487)
Evaluate the causes of the Wars of the Roses.
Markscheme
The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the causes of the Wars of the Roses, weighing up the importance of different reasons. These reasons could be divided into long- and short-term. For long-term causes, candidates could refer to the dynastic rivalry caused by the overthrow of Richard II in 1399, giving a justification for the Yorkist rebellion against Henry VI in later years. Candidates may discuss the role of bastard feudalism and the importance of overmighty subjects such as the Earl of Warwick. For short-term causes, candidates may refer to the weakness of Henry VI and the unpopularity of his advisers; especially after English military defeats in France, for example Castillon in 1453. Candidates may argue that the events of the Coventry Parliament of 1459, when attainders were issued against leading Yorkists, gave them little alternative but to rebel.
Examiners report
The question required candidates to make an appraisal of the causes of the Wars of the Roses. Few responses were seen to this question. Some candidates showed excellent, in-depth knowledge and well-developed analysis.
