Foreign Policy essay Continuity Vs Change Flashcards
most significant change of foreign policy?
- FP became more ambitious + broadly successful after securing dynasty
- Initial aim of securing dynasty (was too hazardous due to his insecure crown) including dealing with pretenders ➡️ FP focused on securing the dynasty and eliminating threat of pretenders
- Hesitant to send troops to help Brittany, ensure France knew it was only out of defence ➡️ Treaty of Redon (1489) only sent 3000 troops
- Used Italian wars to advantage rather than becoming involved
after change: - Intercursus Malus 1506 ➡️ reflects Henry’s position of strength as sacrifice trade for national security (Warbeck)
- Insisted on marriage of Catherine to Henry, had possession of Catherine’s person and of half her dowry and knew Spain needed England’s support against France
how else did foreign policy change (2)?
- Relations with Ireland significantly improved
- power only extended to area of the Pale
- Threat of Kildare (lord deputy of Ireland) who sympathised for Simnel and warbeck)
- Infant son Henry as lieutenant and sir Edward Poynings as deputy ➡️ Poynings law in 1495 (Irish laws had to be approved by the English crow)
- Although too $ ➡️ gave time for alliance with Kildare to be made
- gained support of Kildare who withdrew support from Warbeck ➡️ served Henry loyalty for rest of his reign
how else did foreign policy change? (3)
- Insecurity of the succession
- before 1502 no issue but the Death of Arthur increased the instability of the dynasty and places young Henry as heir (what would happen if Henry VII died whilst Henry still a child)
- Wife Elizabeth dies 1503 making situation worse ➡️ no hope for more children therefore less secure as Tudor line not promised
- Henry’s health deteriorated rapidly, dying on the 21st April 1509, death wasn’t announced till after Fox, Western and Beaufort had manipulate term of the succession and positioned themselves around the new king
most significant evidence of continuity of foreign policy during his reign?
- Desire to keep peace (led by necessity, defensive and reactive)
- never had a warlike foreign policy, only ever sent 3000 troops in the Breton crisis (1489) under Treaty of Redon
- number of treaties to improve relations with other countries in order to achieve aims of securing the dynasty + helped to keep peace ➡️ Treaty of Medina Del Campo and the Treaty of Etaples
other evidence of continuity in foreign policy during his reign? (2)
- Importance of marriage alliance
🔔 Essential part of European diplomacy ➡️used to enhance power and influence + dynastic security for Henry
- Catherine and Author ➡️ Medina Del Campo
- Princess Margaret and James IV
- Princess Mary and Louis XII
Ex: Used marriage alliances continuously throughout reign to enhance his position in Europe by improving relations with major European countries
evidence of continuity in foreign policy?
- Scotland remained a significant threat
BC: Edward had taken the border towns of Berwick and Dunbar
- 1486 truce with James III but was killed by nobles in 1488 who were hostile to Henry
- Although James IV 💍 Margaret relations worsened in 1496 when James IV gave Warbeck shelter and a royal welcome as well as military support for his failed
- Still threat to tudor dynasty ➡️ border raids + franco scottish alliance continue
Henry’s foreign policy conclusion?
in conclusion, in terms of King Henry achieving international support he was successful due to his frequent use of treaties meaning more countries recognised him as a power. However, Henry was arguably less successful in securing his dynasty due to numerous deaths and the objective of creating peace was also less successful as he went to battle in Brittany against the French and enabled economic warfare on Burgundy. These factors as well as the Perkin Warbeck rebellion which posed a threat to his throne ultimately led to the conclusion that overall his success was limited in achieving his foreign policy objectives between 1485 and 1509.
