To what American president can Shakespeare's Henry v development can be compared to?

Answer 1

To George W. Bush, since Henry is manipulated into war with France by the Archbishop of Canterbury in order to distract him from a proposed bill in Parliament which would taske away half of the church's revenues. Similarly, Bush was encouraged in his war plans by his Vice-President Cheney who hoped to, and did, profit immensely from the war effort.

There are of course, many differences. Henry declared war on a state, France, which can surrender and end the war; Bush declared war on a method of waging war, terrorism, which can never surrender, and therefore the war can never end. Henry personally led his troops into battle; Bush did not. Henry at Agincourt was faced with a superior military force; Bush never challenged any force that was not far inferior to his.

Henry had at least an arguable claim to be entitled to govern the country he invaded; Bush did not. Henry ended his campaign by leaving the former government in place; Bush had the previous government of Iraq killed. Henry concluded a peace with France, sealed with a marriage, so there would be no further drain on his treasury; Bush bequeathed his war to his successor. However, the successors to both were cursed by the legacy of the wars of their predecessors.

Answer 2

Actually no President ever led troops into battle when he was President, although many of them did before they were elected. Perhaps Teddy Roosevelt comes closest in character to Henry--a bit of a wild man, and San Juan Hill might have been his Agincourt.

Answer 3

george w bush