Replacement of wool by finished cloth as England's main export.
The poor in revolt.
Serf labour was cheaper than paid labour. "We are men formed in Christ's likeness and we are kept like animals." Richard II promised changes, but later refused to keep his promise: "Serf you are and serfs you shall remain." .
Heresy and orthodoxy.
Unpopularity of the Church - greed, disliked paying taxes to the pope (was living in France), wealth and the poor quality of its clergy.
Heresy called "Lollardy" John Wycliffe, Oxford professor, "Everyone should be able to read the Bible in English" and he translated it. Supported by king, but his successor Henry IV was not sympathetic and spirit of Lollardy was not seen again for a century.
The crisis of kingship.
Many kings were cruelly murdered. Richard quarrelled with nobles in 1388. He imprisoned his uncle John of Gaunt, the third son of Edward III, very powerful and wealthy noble, who died there. His son, Henry of Lancas-ter, did not forget or forgive. Returned and raised an army. Richard was deposed.
No children. Successors: the earl of March, grandson of Edwards III second son, Henry of Lancaster, son of John of Gaunt. Henry was stronger, support from noble.
Wales in revolt.
Edward I conquered Wales in the 1280s. They taught the English their skill with the longbow.
Rebel Owain Glandwr made the idea of a Welsh nation. He was not strong enough to defeat the English, but he created a feeling of national identity. .
The struggle in France.
Henry V became one of England's favourite kings. He managed to capture most of Normandy and the nearby areas. He married Katherine of Valois, the French king's daughter. His son Henry VI inherited both thrones. It was easier to invade and conquer France than to keep it. The English army was twice defeated by the French, who were inspired by a mysterious girl called Joan of Arc. In 1435 England's best general, John of Bedford, died. The Hundred Years War was over.
