How did Richard III’s father help begin the Wars of the Roses?

Richard III’s father, Richard, 3rd duke of York, helped precipitate the Wars of the Roses through his efforts to secure political power and assert his hereditary claim to the English throne, which he argued was superior to that of the Lancastrian king Henry VI.123

The conflict was driven by several key factors involving the Duke of York:

• Political Rivalry: York became a central opponent of the powerful Beaufort family, particularly Edmund Beaufort, duke of Somerset, who dominated Henry VI’s government.12
• Protectorate: When Henry VI suffered a mental breakdown in 1453, York was appointed protector of the realm. However, upon the king's recovery in 1454, Queen Margaret of Anjou persuaded her husband to dismiss York and restore Somerset to power.124
• Outbreak of Hostilities: Fearing for his safety and political standing, York took up arms, leading to the first battle of the wars at St. Albans in 1455, where his forces killed Somerset and seized control of the government.124