I'm also doing the exam Option A; War of the Roses and Henry VII.
So far I've read through my notes a couple times, and translated all the information to a timeline - each event named and dated, then a summary of what happened it's immediate effects and then the solution/course of action and it's effects, then long term effects, For example:
1436 - HVI Begins to exercise power: (name of event and date)
- As an inexperienced and disinterested 14 year old, HVI was ill equipped to deal with complexity and problems that came with Kingship, in particular during this period as the crown/England's position was unstable both internationally and domestically.
-100 years war was forming as a failure as Duke of Burgundy had switched alliances to France in 1435 = Seriously effected vital wool trade which in turn tarnished nation's morale and increased poverty.
-War also meant an increase in tax - further discontent in the nation and increase in poverty.
-Nobility and royal family were divided due to previous fall out between Gloucester vs. Bedford over regency rule in 1422*
(^summary of the situation during the period and it's effects)
- In order to rule more efficiently and to replenish dwindling troop numbers in France, A patronage and clientage alliance was formed with the aristocracy. (course of action/solution)
Long term effects;
-HVI disinterest in being King allowed ambitious nobles to seize more power through influencing the King and gaining titles, grant and lands.
-An already divided family created an unstable government and crown = tension in the courts. HVI favouritism of the Beauforts and ignoring the Yorkists increased tension further.
-His easily influenced and overly generous attitude, coupled with favouritism lead to an imbalance in power = over mighty subjects, which inevitably meant the aristocracy posed as a threat to HVI position as King.
Where there are little stars, I write cue cards to elaborate on the situation/give definition etc. Also, I'm doing profiles on Key figures i.e. Richard, Duke of York, Some practise papers.
I've been teaching myself A levels so I haven't had a teacher to give me guidance on how to answer exam questions and so on - any tips on how to answer unit 1 exam q's will be really sweet! At the moment I'm just answering them as if they were an essay question - kind of like Eng lit.