Hume's Richard II--Dangerous Wars

"Edward had left his grandson involved in many dangerous wars." These were:

1. The kingdom of Castile was hostile toward England on account of the Duke of Lancaster's "pretensions to the crown" of Castile.

2. Scotland's alliance with France meant that any conflict with one would mean conflict with both.

3. The war with France continued, but was not prosecuted with much enthusiasm.

In 1378, Sir Hugh Calverly set fire to Boulogne and the duke of Lancaster conducted an army into Brittany.

In 1380, the Duke of Glocester "scrupled not, with his small army, to enter into the heart of France," but "this enterprize also proved in the issue unsuccessful, and made no impression upon the enemy."

The costs involved in these enterprizes, along with "the usual want of oeconomy attending a minority," put a strain on the treasury. As a result, Parliament instituted a new and unusual tax.

"This imposition prouced a mutiny, which was singular in its circumstances." The common people rose up in revolt.