Medieval Leadership

In The Shadow King, Lauren Johnson demonstrates how Henry VI's rule in undermined by his inability to demonstrate the necessary qualities of medieval leadership. In this period, a king is expected to be "strong-willed, authoritative and fair-minded – but ruthless when necessary" (141-142). In addition, kings are expected to lead military forces and to be able to rally troops behind their cause. Peace is valued less in this period than military conquests and the achievement of glory through warfare. These are all attributes that Henry VI's father exhibited and areas in which he excelled. Henry VI was expected to follow in his father's footsteps but was incapable of living up to the expectations of medieval leadership. Johnson argues that there was a multitude of factors behind Henry VI's inability to exhibit the desired qualities of a medieval king.

First, he seems to be simply of a different personality...