Henry VII - Foreign Policy

Question 1

What was the nature of Henry’s foreign policy?

Answer 1

Henry’s foreign policy was largely defensive, benefiting from France’s focus on Italy.

Question 2

How did Henry use his foreign policy regarding threats to his throne?

Answer 2

He used it to defuse threats from pretenders.

Question 3

What were Henry’s goals in foreign alliances?

Answer 3

He aimed to ally England with continental powers and arrange advantageous marriages for his children.

Question 4

What was Henry’s initial policy towards France?

Answer 4

At first, Henry’s policy was anti-French.

Question 5

What treaty did Henry sign in 1489 regarding Brittany?

Answer 5

He signed the Treaty of Redon, agreeing to support Duchess Anne against French attempts to take the duchy.

Question 6

What military action did Henry take in 1489 about Brittany?

Answer 6

He received parliamentary taxes for the defense of Brittany and sent 6,000 men there.

Question 7

What was the Treaty of Medina del Campo?

Answer 7

Signed in 1489 with Spain, it served as a counter-weight to France and included a marriage alliance prospect.

Question 8

What event prompted Henry to invade France in 1492?

Answer 8

He invaded France because Charles VIII supported Perkin Warbeck and encouraged Scottish attacks.

Question 9

What was the outcome of the Peace of Etaples in 1492?

Answer 9

Henry signed it without fighting and received a pension for 15 years.

Question 10

How did relations with France change after 1492?

Answer 10

Relations improved after 1492.

Question 11

What was the impact of Anne’s marriage to the French king?

Answer 11

Henry was unable to prevent France from taking control of Brittany.

Question 12

What was the focus of French foreign policy after 1494?

Answer 12

France focused on invading Italy.

Question 13

What was the significance of Spain in Henry’s foreign policy?

Answer 13

Spain was used as a counter-weight to France, though the alliance was complicated by Spain’s internal issues.

Question 14

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Medina del Campo with Spain?

Answer 14

It included a marriage alliance between Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon and Spain’s agreement not to support pretenders.

Question 15

What happened to Arthur in 1502?

Answer 15

Arthur died, leading to a new marriage proposal between Catherine and Prince Henry.

Question 16

What was the League of Cambrai?

Answer 16

Formed in 1509 against France, England was left out and seen as isolated.

Question 17

What were the Low Countries in relation to Henry’s foreign policy?

Answer 17

A group of provinces important for trade but seen as a threat due to support for pretenders.

Question 18

What was the Magnus Intercursus?

Answer 18

A treaty in 1496 restoring trade with the Low Countries, agreeing not to support each other’s claimants.

Question 19

What was the Treaty of Windsor in 1506?

Answer 19

It aimed for a triple alliance against France and included a new trade agreement.

Question 20

What was the significance of Scotland in Henry’s foreign policy?

Answer 20

Scotland was seen as a potential threat due to its alliance with France.

Question 21

What was the Truce of Ayton?

Answer 21

Ratified in 1498, it was a truce between England and Scotland.

Question 22

What was Henry’s approach to Ireland?

Answer 22

He sent Sir Edward Poynings to reassert English authority and passed Poyning’s Law.

Question 23

What did Poyning’s Law entail?

Answer 23

It required the Irish Parliament to meet only with the king’s consent and obey English laws.

Question 24

What were the limitations of Henry’s governance in Ireland?

Answer 24

Ireland was not effectively governed by England, with laws often ignored outside the Pale.

Question 25

What was Henry’s relationship with the Papacy?

Answer 25

Relations were cordial but distant; Henry made all important Church decisions.

Question 26

What special dispensations did Pope Innocent VIII grant Henry?

Answer 26

He recognized Henry’s claim to the throne and allowed him to marry Elizabeth of York.

Question 27

What was the significance of Pope Julius II’s dispensation?

Answer 27

It allowed Catherine of Aragon to marry Prince Henry after Arthur’s death.