King Edward II of England

This profile of King Edward II of England is part ofWhos Who in Medieval History Edward II was also known as: Edward of Caernarvon Edward II was known for: His extreme unpopularity and his general ineffectiveness as king. Edward lavished gifts and privileges on his favorites, fought against his barons, and was ultimately overthrown by his wife and her lover. Edward of Caernarvon was also  the first Crown Prince of England to be given the title Prince of Wales. Occupations: King Places of Residence and Influence: Great Britain Important Dates: Born:  April 25, 1284Crowned:  July 7, 1307Died:  September, 1327 About Edward II: Edward appears to have had a rocky relationship with his father, Edward I; upon the older mans death, the first thing the younger Edward did as king was give the most prestigious offices to Edward Is most notable opponents. This did not sit well with the late kings loyal retainers. The young king angered the barons still further by giving the earldom of Cornwall to his favorite, Piers Gaveston. The title Earl of Cornwall was one that had hitherto only been used by royalty, and Gaveston (who may have been Edwards lover), was considered foolish and irresponsible. So incensed were the barons over Gavestons status that they drew up a document known as the Ordinances, which not only demanded the favorites banishment but restricted the kings authority in finances and appointments. Edward seemed to go along with the Ordinances, sending Gaveston away; but it wasnt long before he allowed him to return. Edward didnt know who he was dealing with. The barons captured Gaveston and executed him in June of 1312.   Now Edward faced a threat from Robert the Bruce, the king of Scotland, who, in an attempt to throw off the control England had gained over his country under Edward I, had been retaking Scottish territory since before the old kings death. In 1314, Edward led an army into Scotland, but at the Battle of Bannockburn in June he was roundly defeated by Robert, and Scotlands independence was secured. This failure on Edwards part left him vulnerable to the barons, and his cousin, Thomas of Lancaster, led a group of them against the king. Beginning in 1315, Lancaster held real control over the kingdom. Edward was too weak (or, some said, too indolent) to dislodge Lancaster who was, unfortunately, an incompetent leader himself, and this sad state of affairs persisted until the 1320s. At that time the king became close friends with Hugh le Despenser and his son (also named Hugh). When the younger Hugh attempted to acquire territory in Wales, Lancaster banished him; and so Edward gathered some military might on behalf of the Despensers. At Boroughbridge, Yorkshire, in March of 1322, Edward succeeded in defeating Lancaster, a feat that may have been made possible by a falling-out among the latters supporters. After executing Lancaster, Edward annulled the Ordinances and exiled some of the barons, freeing himself from baronial control. But his tendency to favor certain of his subjects worked against him once more. Edwards partiality toward the Despensers alienated his wife, Isabella. When Edward sent her on a diplomatic mission to Paris, she began an open relationship with Roger Mortimer, one of the barons Edward had exiled. Together, Isabella and Mortimer invaded England in September of 1326, executed the Despensers, and deposed Edward. His son succeeded him as Edward III. Tradition has it that Edward died in September, 1327, and that he was probably murdered. For some time a story circulated that the method of his execution involved a hot poker and his nether regions. However, this gruesome detail has no contemporary source and appears to be a later fabrication. In fact, there is even a recent theory that Edward escaped his imprisonment in England and survived until 1330. No consensus has yet been reached on the actual date or manner of Edwards demise. More Edward II Resources: Edward II in Print The links below will take you to an online bookstore, where you can find more information about the book to help  you get it from your local library. This is provided as a convenience to you; neither Melissa Snell nor About is responsible for any purchases you make through these links.   Edward II: The Unconventional Kingby Kathryn Warner; with a foreword by Ian MortimerKing Edward II: His Life, His Reign, and Its Aftermath 1284-1330by Roy Martin Haines Edward II on the Web Edward II (1307-27 AD)Concise, informative bio at Britannia Internet Magazine.Edward II (1284 - 1327)Brief overview from BBC History. Medieval Renaissance Monarchs of EnglandMedieval Britain   The text of this document is copyright  ©2015-2016 Melissa Snell. You may download or print this document for personal or school use, as long as the URL below is included.  Permission is   not  granted to reproduce this document on another website. For publication permission,  please   contact  Melissa Snell. The URL for this document is:http://historymedren.about.com/od/ewho/fl/Edward-II.htm

A Brief History of Ghana Since Independence

The Battle of Yorktown Essay - 1121 Words

The Revolutionary War started in 1775. The American colonies have had enough of the British occupants and set their foot down in pursuit to freedom and independence. Each battle that happened during the Revolutionary War had its own significance and contributions to the independence of the colonies. Many brave men laid their lives in pursuit of the dream of independence from British control. One particular battle paved the way for that independence to become a reality. That battle is known as the Battle of Yorktown. The Battle of Yorktown took place in what we know today as Virginia. It was a decisive battle that turned the table during the Revolutionary War. The battle ultimately led to the liberty of the American Colonies from the†¦show more content†¦The Battle of Yorktown gave General Washington the advantage he needed to win. General Washington, with the help of the French saw the opportunity to end the war by cornering General Cornwallis at Yorktown. (The History Chann el Website, n.d.) Prior to the surrender of General Cornwallis to General Washington at Yorktown, the British were winning several battles. General Washington needed to do something before he had no other options left. General Washington’s forces were low in numbers and strength but knew the land to give them an edge in being rooted out by the British. (Lanning, 2005) General Washington used time and heavy militia to replenish his losses but did not have the troops to capture British Garrisons. (Lanning, 2005) The British in turn, could not pass the militia aiding General Washington. (Lanning, 2005)The militia, fighting alongside continental troops, had the land and the support of the people who aided their cause during the battle. The stalemate continued with no sign of either side budging. Guerilla-style operations were used to win many fights and battles that General Washington’s own troops could not. (Lanning, 2005) General Cornwallis, saw Yorktown in Virginia as a viable location to gather resources for future encounters with the Americans. General Cornwallis moved northward from the Carolinas toward Virginia and occupied Yorktown with an estimated 6,000 to 9,000 British troops. (Lanning, 2005) (The HistoryShow MoreRelatedBattle Of Yorktown : Battle For Yorktown1403 Words   |  6 PagesBattle of Yorktown 1 Running Header: Battle of Yorktown Pearson Elizabeth The Battle of Yorktown Battle of Yorktown 2 One of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War took place on September 28, 1781, in Yorktown, Virginia. The Siege of Yorktown was the last battle in the war against Great Britain. Fought between General George Washington with French aid from General Comte de Rochambeau. 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This battle also displayed a g reat example of howRead MoreEssay on The Battle of Yorktown3027 Words   |  13 Pages The Battle of Yorktown was a major turning point in the Revolutionary War and led to the creation of the United States of America. After six grueling years of war the end of the war was near. Six months before the morale of the continental army was at the lowest point of the war. Congress was bankrupt due to rampant inflation caused by the mass production of continental dollars. The continental army was being trounced in the south by the British who had regained South Carolina and Georgia. AlsoRead MoreThe Battle Of Yorktown : A Great Indication1664 Words   |  7 Pagessuccessful during military mission battles. The Battle of Yorktown provides a great example of how working with other nations and being their allies can help us to overcome issues within our own units, batteries, and higher echelon. With further analysis of the Battle of Yorktown, it is also apparent that the strategic usage of artillery played a major role in its success and that its utilization was more than just about operating cannons and howitzers. The Battle of Yorktown possesses a lot of artilleryRead MoreThe Battle Of Yorktown By William Faulkner1569 Words   |  7 PagesBattle of Yorktown A Striking Start You are galloping full speed at full speed like it is the last day of your life, you ride into the city of Yorktown fiercely, then your rider wants you to go faster, you are galloping faster than you have ever run, as fast as a speeding bullet. The wind is slapping your face as hard as a hammer, you finally run into the sea of smoke, muskets, and bayonets. The person riding you violently thrusts his mighty sword, and swiftly fires his French pistol. Cannonballs

Ambition Essay Example For Students

Ambition Essay That formidable force that makes one believe that one needs what one usually only desires; that mind-set that is really more of an entity that sits on ones shoulder, and relentlessly screams further, further; that asset that makes those who are not zealous, jealous That is ambition. Ambition has been the backbone of every army! Through those great ancient Egyptian wars, through Persia, through Hastings, through Waterloo, through the native American/greedy colonist battles, through the world-wars, through the Balkans, and through every other great conflict that has ever existed but that I am unable to cite, each party was blessed by pure and passionate ambition ambition to win at whatever cost necessary. Surely only the collective force of ambition found in a battle is liable to cause as much suffering and damage as has been caused by all battles that have ever been lost or won? Even the weakest, most injured warrior who persevered has been touched not by insanity, but by raw ambition, and even the most perturbed and exasperated warlord is supported not by his schemes, but by the ambition to realise them. Ambition is the ultimate wonder of the world! Ambition made all seven of them and more shouldnt it be regarded as their veritable no matter how intangible superior? From the conception to the design to the construction to the completion, ambition was the proverbial foreman, as once again we see that collective zeal create a phenomenon thus Ambition is the source of all that is good and all that is evil! It makes the wonders and it makes the wars. Ambition is the winner and loser of every game! Every footballer, every chess player, every marathon runner, every duck-legged Olympic walker smells of fervour which seeps from the pores of their ambition. When years of dedication pass the baton to ambition, there is a sage to be reckoned with. One only wonders why in spite of the eternal paradoxical query what would happen if an irresistible force met with an irresistible force? , someone always has to lose? Ambition makes you healthy, wealthy, and wise! Doesnt it? Observe this immortal quotation of Henry Ford: Whether you think you can or you think you cannot, you are right The truth he successfully conveys is that we are the scribes of our own destiny. It is ambition that makes us think we can be successful, and lack of ambition that makes us think we cannot. Ambition and Luck are both archenemies and best of friends. Ambition is a pain in the neck! It is the finger that sets the alarm for 8am, the fingers that turn the cold key of the cold car on a cold, cold morning. It compels us to do what wed really rather put off until tomorrow, it slaps the wrist of apathy. Ambition is the sole witness at the sepulture of the unsuccessful at everything. You see, ambitious tears only fall from a fountain of youth- so theyll kiss the piled soil, make it wet, and whisper with complacence, i made you successful at being unsuccessful. Because ambition never likes to give in. Ambition is the final book of every author, the final page of every book, the final word of the final page, and the final letter in the final word.