Henry VII : consolidation of power essay Flashcards
what was the most significant way Henry established his power?
Unified the households of York and Lancaster ➡️ Significant as needed to solidify himself as King and try to eliminate threat (and cost)
- 1486 married Elizabeth of York (Edward IV eldest daughter) and they had their first son Arthur 1486)
- Backdated his reign to before the battle of bosworth (could punish those who fought against him and reward supporters)
- Created the tudor rose ➡️ symbol of unity displayed publicly on coins and in royal buildings
Most significant as needed to be recognised nationally as the rightful heir in order to successfully govern,Henry was able to strengthen this power but had to create it first. Without the initial consolidation of power he would not have been able to build on this in the future. Substational turning point for English history as the war of the Roses had dictated decision making for the past 30 years.
another significant way Henry consolidated his power?
Removing rival threats from the throne
- Henry was brave and decisive when dealing with Simnel and Lincoln, Lincol was killed in the Battle of Stoke 1487 (the last battle of the war of roses), Henry seized humiliated Woodvilles land and instead of making Simnel a martyr humiliated him by making him a turnspit in the royal kitchen
- acts decisively with Warbeck, withstanding him regardless of his considerable foreign help, executed in 1499
Being Henry’s most urgent and severe issue when consolidating power, how he reacted to the rebels was heavily important. Although at times Henry could have acted more decisively (executing pretenders immediately instead of allowing threats to authenticate) its evidenced that during the second half of his reign due to his changing personality he did act with more aggression and defence when dealing with his safety and power. More broadly highlighting that power may have become more important throughout Henry’s reign as he will have then been aware of the succession to his son, which he would have wanted to be uncontestable.
another way Henry consolidated his power?
through his foreign policy
- Dynastic marriage relations,Henry secured a marriage between his eldest son, Arthur, and the Spanish princess, Catherine of Aragon, in 1501 but arthur died at 15,Margaret was married to James IV of Scotland and his youngest daughter to Louis IX of France
