Henry VII - Consolidation of Power Flashcards
Why was it important for Henry VII to consolidate power as soon as possible
Because Henry had weak royal connections.
His claim was maternal, and therefore his claim came from the divine right of kings and his victory in battle at Bosworth field in 1485
What were Henry’s aims for consolidating power
- Secure and strengthen his dynasty
- Ensure strong foreign relationships
- Maintain law and order
- Prevent pretenders and rebellions
How did Henry achieve his aims for consolidation
- Establishing effective government
- Maintaing law and order
- Control of the nobility
- Security over crowns finances
- Foreign policy smart
- Luck
- Good advisory board (privy)
Why was Henry well-suited to his role
He was very well literate and well-motivated, smart and cunning
How did Henry consolidate the Tudor dynasty
- Dating his reign the day before Bosworth
- Coronation before first parliament
- Marriage to Elizabeth of York
- Support from the Church
- Control over the nobility
- Heir with Elizabeth of York
- Secured papal recognition and foreign support from France and Spain
- Offered patronage to supporters
- Natural
How did dating his reign the day before Bosworth consolidate power
Richard and his supporters were classed as traitors, they were therefore under direct financial control by Henry through use of Act of Attainder.
This was a masterful show of diplomacy because he increased the small crown coffers, established his authority and controlled nobility
How did having his coronation before the first meeting of parliament consolidate power
It meant it could never be said he was made king by Parliamentary sanction - excuse for usurpation removed
How did marriage to Elizabeth of York consolidate power
It united the house of Lancaster and York, dissuading Yorkists from challenging Henry - reduced chance of usurpation
How did the enlistment of church support consolidate power
Church was an essential part of every persons life. They were second in power to the monarch, if they supported henry it was likely followers of the church would too
How did control over the nobility consolidate power
The majority of power and finance was held within the 1% of the population. By having the nobility under control, henry had access to this power and finance. By restricting the nobility it ensured no one would challenge henrys role
How did securing papal recognition and french/spanish support consolidate power
It showed legitmacy of his kingship and paved the way for strong economic ties with foreign countries. (trade etc)
How did offering patronage consolidate power
He knighted 11 men on the battlefield. It showed that he rewarded support, encouraging others around him to support him
What was ‘natural consolidation’
Richard had been disliked. His economic policies troubled the population and he was an ignorant ruler
