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Source: Kronheim, Joseph. “The White Ship.” The Oldie, 8 June 2021, https://www.theoldie.co.uk/blog/the-900th-anniversary-of-the-worst-ever-royal-disaster. Accessed 16 June 2024.
White Ship Wrecked: The British Anarchy Period, 1135
Background Guide coming soon!
In the year 1120, the sinking of the White Ship off the Normandy coast marked a pivotal turning point in English history. On board was William Adelin, the sole legitimate son and heir of King Henry I of England. Tragically, the vessel struck a submerged rock shortly after departing from Barfleur, causing it to sink. Despite rescue efforts, including attempts to save the heir to the throne, most passengers perished in the icy waters of the English Channel.
The death of William Adelin disrupted the English succession. With no apparent heir and lacking a strong male heir, King Henry I sought to secure the throne for his daughter Matilda. However, his passing in 1135 triggered a bitter civil war known as The Anarchy. This conflict saw Matilda contend against her cousin Stephen of Blois, who claimed the throne with the backing of numerous nobles.
The Anarchy, lasting from 1135 to 1153, plunged England into a period of political instability, lawlessness, and feudal warfare. It was characterized by shifting allegiances, brutal sieges, and devastation across the realm as both sides vied for control. The sinking of the White Ship and the subsequent Anarchy had profound implications for English governance and succession practices, influencing royal politics for generations to come.
As a collection of prominent English political hopefuls, advisors, and allies from all sides, you are responsible for navigating this succession crisis to secure the throne. To do so, you must balance a desire for personal power with the security of the empire, as carrying on with political infighting for too long could leave the British Empire vulnerable to outside threats. Whether you decide to support Matilda, Stephen, or an unknown entity in their quest for the monarchy, you will need to act with both diplomacy and cunning as you forge alliances, negotiate power, and navigate the complex political and social climate of the time.
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Gargee Piplani
ChairHi everyone! I'm Gargee, your chair for this committee, and a junior at UC Berkeley studying Business Administration, Data Science, & Computer Science. I'm originally from the East Bay, but spent a lot of my early life moving around places including India, NYC, Ohio, and Michigan. I have been a part of MUN since my sophomore year of high school when I fell in love with the activity and continue to compete and chair with UCBMUN. Outside of the club, I'm also involved with a hedge fund on campus and love all things finance. In my free time, I enjoy going on walks, indulging in a good matcha, cheering on the Golden State Warriors, and exploring the Bay Area. I've always been drawn to European history since childhood, so getting to chair this committee feels like a full-circle moment for my younger self. Rishit and I look forward to a thrilling weekend with you all and can't wait to see how you tackle this chaotic, yet exciting topic!
Best,Gargee Piplani
Chair, White Ship Wrecked: The British Anarchy Period, 1135
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Rishit Pradhan
Crisis DirectorHi my name is Rishit Pradhan and I'm studying chemical biology with an intended minor in statistics. I'm a rising second year student from Bakersfield California and I've always been interested in European history and am so excited to present the white ship crisis committee. We believe that this committee can help everyone become a better diplomat and perhaps a good sailor. Good luck to everyone!
Best,Rishit Pradhan
Crisis Director, White Ship Wrecked: The British Anarchy Period, 1135