Henry VII's foreign policy Flashcards
How much of a threat to England was Brittany in 1485?
- Support for Brittany would antagonise France, but were owed gratitude
- Had provided refuge for HVII when he had fled in 1471
- Overall, not a threat themselves, but increased the threat of France
How much of a threat to England was France in 1485?
- A traditional enemy following the Hundred Years War, allied to Scotland (Auld Alliance) which meant could attack on two fronts, the largest and most professional army, financially must stronger
- Had given financial aid for HVII’s invasion in 1485, bigger priorities with claims to Milan and Naples
- Overall, a serious threat, but distracted with other priorities
How much of a threat to England was Scotland in 1485?
- Allied with France (Auld Alliance) which meant could attack on two fronts, raids across border forced HVII to keep expensive military bases, vast countryside made conquest and invasions impossible
- Much smaller population and financial income than England
- Overall a nuisance, rather than a serious threat
How much of a threat to England was Spain in 1485?
- Two kingdoms had joined to create a large international power
- Priorities were to drive the Moors out of Granada, secure northern border with France, and secure Ferdinand’s claims in Naples
- Overall, not a threat - created possible conflict with France, but not England (who could even be seen as allies against France)
How much of a threat to England was Burgundy in 1485?
- Margaret of Burgundy was married to the Duke and offered a base for all Yorkist claimants, but England still wanted to maintain the cloth trade
- A direct threat, but also wanted to preserve the cloth trade so action more complicated
How much of a threat to England was Italy in 1485?
- The outbreak of the Italian Wars in 1494 turned international (particularly French) attention away from England
- Not a threat, and actually helpful as distracted major powers (France and Spain especially) from England
What were HVII’s foreign policy aims?
- National security
- Recognition for the Tudor dynasty
- Avoiding war
- Improving trade
- Gaining allies
Evidence to suggest HVII’s foreign policy was successful in achieving national security and minimising dynastic threats?
France (a large threat bc traditional enemy and Auld Alliance):
- 1485 - One year truce
- 1492 - Treaty of Etaples - no aid to English rebels (housing Warbeck so important), plus relations improved so Scotland less a threat)
Scotland:
- 1497 - Treaty of Ayton - a seven year truce
- 1502 - Treaty of Perpetual Peace - extended previous truce, reinforced marriage of James IV and Margaret
Spain:
- 1489 - Treaty of Medina del Campo - strong alliance, would not help English rebels, securing dynasty through Arthur and Catherine of Aragon
Burgundy:
- 1493-96 - Trade embargo on all English traders bc of Margaret of Burgundy’s support for Warbeck
Hanseatic League:
- 1504 - Removed all trade restrictions in attempt to find de la Pole, a fugitive in Germany
Evidence to suggest HVII’s foreign policy was not successful in achieving national security and minimising dynastic threats?
Scotland:
- Auld Alliance continued
- James IV’s expansion of navy caused strained relationship
- border raids continued
- only stabilised, not secured
Evidence to suggest HVII’s foreign policy was successful in achieving recognition for his dynasty? (also imp. for security as weak claim and a usurper)
Spain:
- 1489 - Treaty of Medina del Campo - confirmed recognition of dynasty from one of the most powerful states
- 1496 - anti-French Holy League (with HRE) - brought recognition bc Ferdinand of Aragon feared dangerous to exclude England as otherwise would ally with France (showed concern)
Scotland:
- 1503 - marriage of James IV and Margaret brought recognition and consolidated position
- James wanted Treaty of Ayton as fearful an attack would be damaging - recognition
Evidence to suggest HVII’s foreign policy was not successful in achieving recognition for his dynasty?
France:
- 1508 - League of Cambrai - anti-Spanish alliance with Louis XII failed, attempt to create alliance with England in the centre failed, ended up excluded and diplomatically isolated
Evidence to suggest HVII’s foreign policy was successful in avoiding war?
France (esp wanted to avoid bc a close neighbour and financially stronger):
- Sep 1492 - French invasion left to late in campaigning season so minimised time
- 1492 - Treaty of Etaples - £5000 compensation a year - good bc expensive, amounted to 5% of crown’s income
Spain and HRE:
- 1496 - Holy League - joined on condition would not have to go to war with France
Scotland:
- 1495 - Warbeck’s arrival - able to both please nobles by launching full scale invasion, but stopped by peace treaties
Evidence to suggest HVII’s foreign policy was not successful in avoiding war?
Scotland:
- invasion still cost - loan of £50,000 and Parliament gave further £120,000
Brittany:
- 1489 - Treaty of Redon - agreed to send 6000 men (paid for by Bretons) in defence against France (tho still a small number, shows unwillingness for conflict)
- 1489 - Treaty of Dordrecht - agreed to send 3000 troops
Evidence to suggest HVII’s foreign policy was successful in improving trade?
Income from customs revenues:
- 1485 - £33,000
- 1509 - £40,000
France:
- 1485 and 1489 - Navigation Acts - goods to mother country must be carried by ships from that country
- 1495 - restrictions removed by France for neutrality in Italian Wars
Spain:
- 1489 - Medina del Campo - equal trading rights
Burgundy:
- 1487 - one year commercial agreement
- 1496 - Intercursus Magnus - English merchants trade freely in all parts of Burgundy, except Flanders, without tolls or customs
Evidence to suggest HVII’s foreign policy was not successful in improving trade?
Burgundy:
- 1506 - Malus Intercursus - abandoned bc so unpopular and favourable to English merchants
Spain:
- did not allow England to trade in the New World, one of his hopes
Hanseatic League:
- 1504 - forced into settlement and restored their favourable position enjoyed under Edward IV
