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Edward Kopin Biography
WHere history meets legend: Medieval English Royal Families
Edward II
The Linchpin of England

Zain Mobeen

Edward II: The Linchpin of England Between the strong reigns of his father Edward I and son Edward III, the reign of Edward II was considered by some to be disastrous for England. With military defeats and incompetence, his reign is known as being unsuccessful. His choices were problematic amongst his peers and colleagues. This was due to his playing of bias and favoritism towards Gascon knight Piers Gaveston and later English lord Hugh Despenser. The ongoing war with Scotland, which was inherited from his father, continued to be the cause of many problems and seemed to hit him at the worst moments. The Great Famine of 1315 also …show more content…
In the spring of 1315, unusually heavy rain began in much of Europe. Throughout the spring and summer, it continued to rain and the temperature remained cool. These conditions caused widespread crop failures. The straw and hay for the animals could not be cured and there was no feed for the livestock. The price of food began to rise and food prices in England doubled between spring and midsummer. While many will say it was a natural disaster that could have happened to anyone, many people at the time believed it was an act of God punishing Edward II for the wrong choices he made for the country. England back then was very religious so this idea was the norm to believe.
In the end of the day, Edward II’s can be debated both ways. While my opinion is clear, it can be seen both ways. Whether or not the pressure from Scotland and the Great Famine of 1315 influenced his terrible decisions, or whether his choices were subjective due to his close relationship with Gaveston, his reign resulted in the downfall of England nonetheless. He may have had good intentions but playing favorites which resulted in his government to go against him, wars, and natural tragedies proved his reign to be tragic.
Works Cited
"EDWARD I." EDWARD I. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
"Edward II." : The Great Famine, 1315 to 1317. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
"Edward II." Edward II. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Feb.
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