Foreign Policy sucsesses/failures

Question 1

State the key evidence you would use to argue Henry VIIIs Foreign Policy was successful

Answer 1

• Marriage to Catherine of Aragon 1509
• Arguably his 2nd invasion of northern France In 1513
• Foreign policy with Scotland - naturalised/subdued Scottish threat in The battle of Flodden + Solway Moss
• Treaty of London + Field of cloth of gold
• Treaty of Burges + proposed marriage alliance between Mary + Charles V

Question 2

State the key evidence you would use to argue Henry VIIIs Foreign Policy was unsuccessful/ failure

Answer 2

• Both invasions of France in 1513 can be analysed as a failure. Dramatically inreaced crown expenditure, Henry waste all inheritance, nothing of significance was achieved - tornai eventually sold back for a loss.
• Field of the cloth of gold was positive but again greatly increased crown expenditure, cost £15,000 and little of significance was materialised.
• The Treaty of Burges disintegrates after Charles V victory in the Battle of Pavia 1525 which Henry attempts to exploit, he repudiates the marriage alliance between himself + Mary so no dynamic alliances are formed
• This is also the case with Scottish foreign policy whilst he does neutralise the Scottish threat + is victorious at the battle of Solway Moss Henry fails to secure the marriage signed via the Treaty of Greenwich yet another marriage/dynastic failure
• His ministers attempts at pressurising Charles V Ie Wolseys trade embargo on Burgundy leads to Charles retaliation which causes widespread enemployment in England + pro-french alliance such as treaty of Amiens is + the league of cognac just antagonised Charles + ensured once he gained dominance over the pope Henry would have no success at resolving his great matter by diplomatic means + would have no other option but to break with Rome which brought its own set of dangers including the threat of catholic cruicade.