Chapter 9 - Foreign Policy under Henry VIII Flashcards
What were Henry’s foreign policy aims?
Continuation of peace and negotiated a renewal of the Treaty of Etaples in 1510
Signaled intentions by commissioning a translation of Henry V’s life and sent Archbishop Bainbridge to Rome for an alliance against France.
What was the Holy League?
An anti-French alliance between England, Spain, Venice, the Papacy, and the Holy Roman Empire.
Name 3 early failures of Henry’s foreign policy.
- Used by Ferdinand of Aragon and Maximilian I
- Battle of Flodden costly with little gain
- Loss of renegotiated French pension
What was Henry’s early success in foreign policy?
Won the Battle of Spurs and captured Therouanne and Tournai.
What were the common themes of Henry’s foreign policy from 1514 to 1526?
- England remained a minor power
- Overestimation of English power
- Strong influence of the ‘auld alliance’
- Ran out of money by end of 1514
What is the Treaty of Cambrai?
A 1517 treaty that left England dangerously isolated and allowed Francis I to undermine Anglo-Scottish relations.
What is the significance of the Treaty of London?
Ended isolation from Cambrai and established Wolsey as a leading diplomat in Western Europe.
Who was the Duke of Albany?
The heir presumptive to the Scottish throne and French nobility who consolidated power as regent.
Who was Charles V and why is he important?
Duke of Burgundy, King of Spain, and Holy Roman Emperor; dominated Western Europe and opposed Henry’s annulment.
What was the Field of the Cloth of Gold?
A meeting between Henry and Francis I in June 1520, known for its lavishness and cost.
What was achieved by the Field of the Cloth of Gold meeting?
Nothing significant in diplomatic terms.
What was achieved by the Treaty of Bruges?
- Improved relations with the Pope
- Gained more French territory
- Marriage alliance between Charles and Mary
What was the Battle of Pavia in 1525?
A crushing defeat of the French by Charles V, highlighting Henry’s lack of strategic awareness.
Was early foreign policy successful?
No, it was marked by turmoil and threats.
Why could the ‘Great Matter’ not be solved by diplomatic means?
England was too minor a power and forced into an anti-Imperial alliance with France.
What attempts does Wolsey make to solve the Great Matter?
- Imposed trade embargo with Burgundian lands
- Attempted to negotiate marital issues diplomatically
What is the outcome for Wolsey?
Blamed for failures, leading to his downfall in 1529.
Did the Break with Rome lead to international pressure/threats?
No short-term repercussions; pressure released in 1536.
What was the impact of the 1538 threat to Henry?
- Treaty of Nice severed connections with England
- Pope’s bull deposed Henry
- Panic led to the Act of Six Articles
Was English policy in Ireland successful?
No, failed governance led to major rebellion and strained relationships.
What had been the focus of foreign policy from the start of Henry’s reign?
Gaining war victories and commandeering territory.
What had been the focus of foreign policy from 1525 to 1529?
Establishing alliances and securing national security.
What was the focus of foreign policy in the 1530s?
Minimising foreign response to the break from Rome.
What was the focus of foreign policy in the 1540s?
Return to aggressive foreign policy with attacks on Scotland and France.
What was ‘rough wooing’?
Diplomatic pressure on Scots to marry Prince Edward to James V’s daughter.
Was policy against Scotland a success?
No, failed to secure policy with military force.
Was the invasion of France in 1544 a success?
No, lacked strategy and faced financial constraints.
Name the different Succession Acts and their functions.
- 1534 Succession Act: Elizabeth heir, Mary illegitimate
- 1536 Succession Act: Repealed 1534, Henry decides heir
- 1544 Succession Act: Reinstates Mary and Elizabeth
- 1546 Henry’s Will: Confirms 1544 Act, succession to heirs of Mary
