3. Relations with Foreign Powers Flashcards
What were Mary’s main aims in foreign policy?
Restore England to Papal Supremacy.
To marry Philip, the heir to the Spanish throne.
Both were achieved though it took a long time.
What conflict did England get involved in during Mary I’s reign?
England was dragged into the Franco-Spanish conflict.
One of the main instigators of this conflict was the anti-Spanish Pope, Paul IV.
What side did England take in the Franco-Spainish conflict?
On the side of the Spanish (against the French).
Mary was essentially at war with the Papacy despite being so loyal to the Catholic church.
England declared war on France in 1557.
How did the nobility view the Franco-Spainish conflict?
Many members of the nobility were enthusiastic about the war as it offered those linked to Edward’s regime an opportunity to regain credit with the crown.
How successful was the war against France?
The campaign started off well (successful siege of St Quentin).
However, it soon turned disastrous with the loss of Calais, which had be under English control for centuries, in January 1558.
There was a further failed attack on the port of Brest in the summer of 1558.
What Naval reforms did Mary make?
Complete reorganisation of the administration and finance of the navy.
6 new ships were built and many were repaired.
Crown finances allocated £14,000 to the navy.
The system laid down the basis which would allow Elizabeth’s defeat of the Spanish Armada
What overall failures where there in Mary’s foreign policy?
She was unable to prevent the succession of her Protestant half-sister, she was humiliated with her loss of Calais, her ultimate failure was one she could not control, dying 5 years after taking the throne.
