The history of the peiod is one of loss to England. The brilliant
French conquests of Henry V (SS289, 290) slipped from the nerveless
hands of his son, leaving France practically independent. The
people's power to vote had been restricted (S297). The House of
Commons had ceased to be democratic even in a moderate degree. Its
members were all property holders elected by property holders (S297).
Cade's rebellion was the sign of political discontent and the
forerunner of civil war (S298).
The contests of the parties of the Red and White Roses drenched
England's fair fields with the best blood of her own sons. The reign
ends with King Henry in prison, Queen Margaret and Prince Edward
fugitives, and the Yorkist, Edward IV, placed on the throne by the
help of the powerful Earl of Warwick (S296).