Edward VI: Foreign policy under Somerset

Question 1

Countries concerning foreign policy

Answer 1

France & Scotland. Historical Auld Alliance

Question 2

What was Somersets aim with Scotland

Answer 2

To assert Edwards claim to the Scottish throne through a marriage with Mary Queen of Scots.

Question 3

Somersets strategy to achieve his aim in Scotland

Answer 3

Defeat the Scots in battle and build garrisons and forts in Scotland

Question 4

Outcome of Somersets Scottish foreign policy

Answer 4

Battle of Pinkie Cleugh - Scottish were completely destroyed. Win for Somerset.

16,000 troops and 4,000 cavalry sent and backed up with 30 warships. Scottish army poor equipped

Question 5

Complications of the Scottish conquest

Answer 5

The forts were very expensive to garrison. Costing £85,000 in two years

Somerset underestimated the Auld Alliance and failed to stop French relief of Edniburgh

The garrisons and attempt at spreading the English bible caused increased Scottish resentment of the English

Question 6

Result of Scottish foreign policy

Answer 6

The military strategy was unaffordable at at a time of financial pressure

Debasement of the coinage caused £500,000 to be raised but in the long-term severely threatened the economy.

Relations with France deteriorated and the prospect of a French invasion came about. In the summer of 1549, troops were withdrawn from Scotland to deal with Rebellions at home.

Question 7

Foreign policy with France

Answer 7

1547 - Francis I signed a defensive treaty with Somerset. But he died months later and Henry II was king

Henry saw a treaty with England as weak and demanded the return of Calais and Bolougne

Question 8

Foreign policy with Spain

Answer 8

Charles V and Somerset = good relations

Spanish agreed that French ships wouldn’t be able to port in the Netherlands if they supported the Scots. Deterred Henry II proclaiming war for a long time