France Flashcards
What were the 10 key events in English foreign policy towards France?
(Chronological order and dates)
- Anglo-French truce 1486-89
- Breton Crisis 1487-92
- Anti-French Alliance of 1489
- Treaty of Redon 1489
- Treaty of Dordrecht 1489
- Treaty of Medina del Campo 1489
- Invasion Fleet of France Sept 1492
- Treaty of Etaples Dec 1492
- Joined Holy League 1496
- League of Cambrai 1508
What events lead to the Breton Crisis?
- Charles VIII becomes king of France and sister Anne acts as regent
- Anne sets sights on Brittany
- Duke Francis of Brittany wants independence but old and no male heirs
- Anne proposes marriage of Charles to Francis’ eldest daughter Anne of Brittany
- BUT she is already promised to Maximilian
- 1847 Anne sends forces to Brittany, kills Francis, seizes other Anne
- In response Spain and HRE send troops to Brittany’s defense
What was the dilemma (4 parts) for Henry regarding the Breton Crisis?
- If France occupied Brittany they would have control of English Channel, would easily be able to invade England.
- However, France has supported Henry in years of exile and in his struggle to become king, so owed alliance there. Also on friendly (ish) terms - 1 year that became 3 year truce
- Also did not want to upset France as a powerful and potentailly hostile next-door-neighbour.
- Also kind of owed Brittany allegiance because had harboured him in exile
How did Henry try to appease the French while also aiding own interests in and pressure from Brittany?
Did it help?
Sent 500 unofficial men to defend Brittany and claim they had ‘nothing to do with him’
No, not really
Who was the Anti-French Alliance of 1489 signed between?
England
Brittany
Burgundy
Spain
What was the Treaty of Redon?
1489
For Henry to send 6,000 troops to Brittany
Paid for by Anne
What was the Treaty Dordrecht?
- 1489
- Between Holy Roman Empire + England
- Would send 3,000 troops each to Brittany
- HOWEVER Maximillian broke word and made peace with Charles VIII in July 1489
What was the Treaty of Medina del Campo, and what were its clauses?
An anti-French alliance 1489
Marriage of Catherine and Arthur - dowry 200,000 crowns
To go to war with France to recover lost territories (of Normandy and Aquitaine for England)
Tarrifs dropped
Spain would not help any English rebels
Which of Henry’s aims did the Treaty of Medina del Campo serve (in order of impact)
- National security - rebels
- Recognition of Tudor dynasty
- Trade/ money
What events triggered Henry’s invasion of France? And when?
December 1491: Anne of Brittany married Charles VIII - Brittany lost
France supporting Warbeck
How many men did Henry send out for the French invasion of 1492?
26,000
Why is it significant that Henry sent out troops mid-September?
Towards end of fighting season, so tactical as would mean France bound to make peace quickly
A short conflict = less expensive!
Why did Henry decide to invade France at all when one of his aims was specifically to ‘avoid war at all costs’?
To keep credibility - needed his people’s support, so had to be a strong king
How long did the invasion of France last?
Less than 2 months - ended November 3 with the Peace of Etaples
(ratified in December with the Treaty of Etaples)
Why could it be argued that even though Henry went to war, he was successful in his aims?
Got the Treaty of Etaples out of it
