Elizabeth's Foreign Policy - 1558-1564 (France + Scotland)

Question 1

What was the Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis 1559

Answer 1

On Elizabeths succession England was in conflict with France which previously went disastrously wrong due to loss of Calais
+ severely weakened crown finances.
Elizabeth wanted to extricate England from this war + fortunately both the financial state of both France + Spain meant neither wished to continue the fight.

The peace treaty was concluded at Cateau cambresis in April 1559 where they reach the agreement that;

• France would return Calais for eight years after which it would be restored English control if England kept the peace in the meantime
• if France failed to they would pay £500,000 crowns to England.

Question 2

Explain the events that led Elizabeth to intervene in Scotland in 1559

Answer 2

• Death of Henry II of France + succession of Fransis II whose wife was Mary Queen of Scots brought a strong catholic guise faction to power in the French court which sought to use Scotland as an instrument of French policy.

French troops were sent to garrison major Scottish fortresses which alarmed John Knox + his political congregation who requested assistance.

Elizabeth was cautious about interfering with domestic affairs of another nation + despised Knox who’d written against the ‘monstrous regiment of women’.

Many prompted non-intervention however Ceil - principle Secretary - supported intervention + knew England would be more secure without French forces north of the border + sought the removal of MQOS which could weaken her position catholic claimant to English throne. Ciel played upon her insecurities (Mary had displayed English royal coat of arms + threatened resignation if Elizabeth refused intervention)

Question 3

What was Involved in Elizabeth’s Intervention in Scotland?

Answer 3

• Initially intervention was limited to money + armaments but toward December 1559 the navy was sent to stop French reinforcements from landing.
• The Lords of the congregation were offered conditional support at the Treaty of Berwick in Feb 1560 + in March an army was sent north which blockaded Leith (just outside Edinburgh) where most French forces were situated.

The siege largely failed however the French were forced to withdraw due to other circumstances - the fleet was very damaged by the storm + the regent Mary of Guise died so ceil was able to negotiate favourable terms for England in the Treaty of Edinburgh in July

Question 4

Explain the outcome of Elizabeth’s intervention in Scotland?

Answer 4

With the death of Francis II in December the guises fell from power + Mary’s influence on French policy came to an end as she was forced toreturn to Scotland

The treaty led to the withdrawal of English and French soldiers and left Scotland to settle its own affairs. Both Ceil + Elizabeth had triumphed as the interests of Scottish protestants had been protected whilst also limiting the political influence of MaryQOS

However Elizabeth was conscious that success had been achieved through good fortune (Francis death) + shed need to proceed more carefully in future.

Question 5

Explain Elizabeth’s Intervention in France 1562

Answer 5

• Conflict broke out between Catholics + Protestants in France in the March of 1562. Robert Dudley encouraged Elizabeth to put military pressure on French crown (when it was in relatively weak state) to ensure the return of Calais.
• Elizabeth agreed + promised the Huguenot leader the Prince of Conde 6000 men + a loan of £30,000.
• Unfortunately for Elizabeth and Dudley, luck that assisted them in Scottish matters deserted them. The Huguenot army was defeated + Conde was captured by Catholics. The French factions agreed to accept peace terms + the English were forced to accept a unfavourable peace settlement

Question 6

Explain the consequences of Foreign Intervention in France In 1562

Answer 6

• English were forced to accept a unfavourable peace settlement at the Treaty of Troyes 1564
• Elizabeth lost the indemnity shed secured at Chateau Cambresis + lost Calais - this time permanently. Though long-term this may have proven an advantage as Calais was expensive to maintain + was too tempting to use as a point of invasion
• The blow to Elizabeth’s prestige was significant.
  From this point she became far more cautious in supporting protestant causes on the European continent - possible to cautious (in her subsequent attitude toward the Netherlands)

Question 7

Overall was Elisabeth’s early Foreign Policy from 1558-1564 successful or unsuccessful?

Answer 7

Despite the problems in FP made an impressive start as Queen. With assistance of Ceil they managed her succession + coronation smoothly and skilfully.

Within 1559 alone, she achieved a settlement in religion, treaty of Ceuteau cambries, protected the protestants in Scotland + weakened the power of MQOS.

However there were still may unanswered questions in regards to marriage and the succession.

Question 8

State Elizabeths 4 key aims for Foreign Policy throughout her reign

Answer 8

• Maintain security in the Northern/channel coast + keep England safe from threats + invasion
• Strengthen the dynasty by diplomacy + possible marriage negotiations.
• Keep good trade by maintaining the semi-indepednant status of the Netherlands
• Prestige; regain England’s position as a European power + expand interests in the new world