A. The Reality of Historical Events

The conflicts that historians call the Wars of the Roses existed as real political and military struggles well before Tudor rule.

• The wars were the result of longstanding noble rivalries and political instability.
   

• The divisions were more complex than a simple red-versus-white roses dichotomy.
   

B. The Tudor Invention of a Unified Narrative

While the Tudors did not create the wars, they arguably:

• Coined or popularized the term “Wars of the Roses.”
   

• Created the symbolic use of the rose emblems as tools of political legitimacy.
   

• Crafted a narrative that painted their dynasty as the peace-bringer and rightful sovereigns.
   

This narrative simplified and dramatized a complex history, reinforcing Tudor authority.

 The Impact of Tudor Historiography on Later Perceptions

A. Enduring Historical Legacy

The Tudor-constructed narrative has profoundly shaped popular and academic understandings of the Wars of the Roses.

• The “Wars of the Roses” became a neat and powerful story of rivalry, betrayal, and eventual reconciliation.
   

• The Tudor rose remains a national symbol representing unity and continuity.
   

B. Modern Historical Revisions

Recent historians have nuanced this picture by:

• Emphasizing factional complexity and shifting alliances.
   

• Critiquing Tudor propaganda’s role in shaping history.
   

• Exploring the broader social and economic factors involved.
   

 Conclusion: Separating Myth from History

The Tudor dynasty did not invent the Wars of the Roses as a historical reality but was instrumental in inventing the symbolic narrative that defines how the wars are remembered.

By using the rose emblems, political marriages, literary patronage, and historiographical control, the Tudors forged a powerful story that justified their reign and promoted national unity.

Understanding this process helps reveal how history is not only about past events but also about how those events are framed by those in power. shutdown123