Henry VII- Foreign policy Flashcards
Was England a major power during Henry VII’s time?
-hundred years war with France in the 1450’s.
-Vulnerable to border attacks from France.
-insecure because of weak claim and Yorkist threat.
What were Henry’s three major foreign policy aims?
-Achieving international security.
-to be in a good financial position (including trade ect).
-strengthening foreign policy through marriage and alliance with the major European powers.
Who was the major foreign threat?
-France and Scotland because they were allied with each other through the ‘Auld alliance’.
-Scotland bordering and France the most traditional enemy had the largest and most professional army in Europe.
-Eventually made truces and alliances with them.
How did Henry try to prevent dynastic threats?
-Medina Del Campo to give him protection and a guarantee they wouldn’t help other claimants. (Marriage of Arthur and Catherine of Aragon).
-Agreement with Scotland through the treaty of Ayton. Marriage of Henrys daughter Margaret to James IV.
Why did Henry VII’s financial position affect war?
-Wanted to avoid war because he lacked the funds
-When he went to war with France in 1492, end of campaigning season so they were more interested in Italy.
-French king restored French pension with the treaty of Etaples and promised not to support opponents.
How did Henry try to meet his economic aims with foreign powers?
-Trade agreements signed with Brittany, Spain, and Florence. (improve economic position). (big spicy fart)
-Wanted to keep cloth trace with burgundy but had to suspend it when they supported Perkin Warbeck.
What is meant by the Brittany affair? (Breton crisis).
-France gave financial aid to Henry when he took the throne.
-France wanted to take Brittany but this would be a threat as they would control the entire coastline.
-Brittany then asked for England’s help.
-England could not aid alone because Maximillian the HRE had made peace with France
-Brittany had to accept defeat.
-Henry had agreed to send 6,000 soldiers to aid Brittany but now danger of French attack.
When was Henry VII’s first French war?
October 1492.
What happened in the first French war?
-Attempt to assert English claim to the throne.
-Campaigning season almost over and France concerned by events in Italy.
-France offered peace and the treaty of Etaples.
What were the terms of the treaty of etaples?
-France wouldn’t aid English rebels such as Warbeck.
-France would pay obligations from treaty of Picquigny.
-France would pay for most expenses for aiding Brittany.
-Henry would gain a French pension of £5,000 year- 5% of his outcome.
What was the relationship with France like after 1492?
-League of Venice.
-Development of the holy league.
What was the league of Venice?
-drive France out of Italy, this initially disincluded England.
-Became the holy league in 1496.
-England was able to remain neutral with France and at around the same time he even signed a trading deal.
What was the holy league/ the league of cambrai
-Henry tried to develop it so England, France and the Netherlands would go against Spain- 1508 league of Cambrai.
-Failed because nobody wanted to antagonise Spain.
What was the relationship with Scotland like after 1492?
-James wanted to go to war with England harboured PW in 1495.
-Warbeck married to James’ cousin and given military aid.
-Warbeck’s invasion failed and so James kicked Warbeck out + signed the truce of Ayton in 1497 which became full peace in 1499.
-Marriage of Margaret Tudor and games prevented war.
What was the relationship with Spain and Burgundy like after 1492?
-Centre of cloth trade.
-Margaret of Burgundy made it a Yorkist centre.
-Henry wanted to strengthen ties.
-Marriage alliances.
