Henry VII foreign policies Flashcards
What were Henry VIII’s main foreign policy aims?
Glory and War
Claim to France
Power and Prestige
Securing the Tudor Dynasty
Why did Henry VIII invade France in 1512-1513?
Henry wanted to gain territory and prove himself as a warrior king. He allied with Spain and the Holy Roman Empire, but his first invasion in 1512 failed. However, in 1513, he successfully captured Tournai and Thérouanne
What was the significance of the Battle of the Spurs (1513)?
A minor skirmish during the invasion of France where English forces defeated the French cavalry. It was exaggerated as a great victory for Henry VIII’s prestige.
How did the Battle of Flodden (1513) impact Henry’s foreign policy?
England defeated Scotland, and King James IV of Scotland was killed. This weakened Scotland but meant Henry had to focus on northern security instead of further invasions in France
What was the Treaty of London (1518)?
A peace agreement organized by Wolsey, where over 20 European states, including France and the Holy Roman Empire, agreed to avoid war. It increased England’s status as a European power.
What was the Field of the Cloth of Gold (1520)?
A lavish diplomatic meeting between Henry VIII and Francis I of France, organized by Wolsey. It displayed England’s wealth and aimed to secure peace, but achieved little politically.
Why did England go to war with France in 1522-1525?
Henry allied with the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V against France, but Charles abandoned England after winning the Battle of Pavia (1525). Henry was left humiliated and gained nothing.
What was the Treaty of More (1525)?
After Charles V betrayed England, Wolsey negotiated peace with France. Henry abandoned his claims to the French throne in exchange for an annual pension from France.
Why was Wolsey involved in the League of Cognac (1526)?
After Charles V’s dominance in Europe, Wolsey allied with France and the Pope against him. This was an attempt to balance power in Europe but led to conflict with Charles.
What were the consequences of Henry’s foreign policy by 1529?
- England failed to gain significant land in France.
- Wolsey’s diplomacy kept England involved but with little real influence.
- Charles V’s power over the Pope made Henry’s divorce from Catherine of Aragon difficult.
How did Wolsey influence Henry VIII’s foreign policy?
- Negotiated treaties
- Organized diplomatic events
- Managed England’s shifting alliances between France and the Holy Roman Empire.
Why was Wolsey called the ‘peacemaker of Europe’?
He successfully negotiated the Treaty of London (1518), which made England a key diplomatic power in Europe by securing peace between major European nations.
How did Wolsey’s foreign policy failures contribute to his downfall?
- Failed to secure a lasting victory in France.
- The League of Cognac (1526) led to conflict with Charles V.
- England was left isolated by 1529, damaging Henry’s prestige.
- Charles V’s control over the Pope made Henry’s divorce from Catherine of Aragon difficult, leading to Wolsey’s fall from power.
