Henry VII's Foreign Policy Flashcards
How was Henry VII’s relationship with Brittany?
Good, the Duchy of Brittany had offered Henry refuge when he fled England in 1481
France wanted to incorporate Brittany into France, why would this be bad for Henry?
All channel land would be owned by the French
When did France offer aid for England? Why was support for Brittany negative as a result of this?
They offered finance for his invasion of 1485, support for Brittany may antagonise the French as B & F were opponents, the French had the strongest army on the continent.
Who were France allied with that made them dangerous for England and under what alliance?
Scotland under the Auld alliance
Were Scotland a threat? How did Henry handle the border raids?
They were a nuisance by themselves, the Auld Alliance made them slightly worse.Henry placed expensive garrisons in Carlisle and Berwick
Who married to form Spain?
Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile
What were Spain’s main intentions?
1- To drive the moors out of Granada2- Retake land that France had taken
Why were Spain likely to see England as an ally rather than a threat?
They were seeking land from the French, England were their natural enemy so Spain had a mutual Enemy with France
Why was Burgundy a direct threat to Henry VII?
Margaret, the sister of Richard III had married the Duke of Burgundy and used it as a Yorkist stronghold. Henry could not cut them off though due to the cloth trade.
How big a threat was the Holy Roman Empire to England?
It wasn’t, it appeared strong but the Emperor had limited power and many of it’s aims revolved around finding land in Italy.
How significant was Henry’s foreign policy in terms of importance?
Henry’s foreign policy was subordinate to his domestic policy, with it centring around ensuring dynastic security
Did Henry VII try and avoid war?
Yeah, the economic status of England meant they couldn’t afford the conflict
What three periods are Henry’s foreign policy divided into?
1485 - 1592 - Policy of diplomacy to secure the throne1493 - 1502 - Peace with Scotland where Henry appeared stronger1503 - 1509 - Henry appears weak and is diplomatically isolated
What was the Breton Crisis?
France wanted to bring Brittany under French control, Spain, Brittany and England opposed.
Who was supposed to marry who and what happened to trigger the Breton Crisis?
The Duke of Brittany had agreed to marry his Daughter to Maximilian, the French regent offered Charles VIII to the Duke’s daughter also. The French ignored Maximilian and send a force into Brittany in 1488 to enforce their aim.
When did the French invade Brittany for the Breton crisis?
1488
How did the rest of Europe respond to the French invasion of Brittany in 1488?
Maximilian and Ferdinand of Aragon sent a force in to fight the French, the Duke of Brittany asked Henry for help
What did Henry do when the Duke of Brittany asked him for help?
Attempted to negotiate between the Bretons and the French, this was unsuccessful
What treaty did Henry sign with Brittany during the crisis, when was it and what did it entail?
Treaty of Redon in 1489 that meant Henry would send 6k troops into Brittany paid for by them
When did Maximilian make peace with France?
1489
Spain made peace with France during the Breton crisis despite what treaty?
The Treaty of Medina del Campo
Why was Henry sending troops to Brittany dangerous?
They (England) couldn’t face France alone and they’d given him financial aid in 1485.
When did Brittany accept defeat and who were married as a result?
December 1491. It led to the marriage of Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII of France.
Why did Brittanys defeat in the Breton Crisis put England in bad standing in 3 respects?
- They’d gone to war to defend Brittany and lost- France could launch an attack from anywhere on the coast- Henry had raised a sum to fund a war which was not fought, if he made peace both money and credibility would be lost
Why did Henry wish to go to war with France in 1492?
He wanted to assert his claim to the French throne
What was smart about Henry VII’s French invasion plan in 1492?
It was done at the end of campaigning season (October) so any conflict would be short
What was Charles more concerned with than England during the 1492 invasion of France?
The invasion of Italy
What treaty was signed between Henry and Charles in 1492 as a result of Charles wanting to invade Italy?
The treaty of Etaples, 1492
What three key things did the Treaty of Etaples establish?
1- Give no aid to English Rebels2- Pay arrears of the Treaty of Picquigny3- Pay most of Henry’s expenses in Brittany
What was the financial gain for Henry out of the Treaty of Etaples?
£5k yearly
When was the League of Venice established and what was its intention?
1495, to drive France out of Italy
When was it revamped and what was it revamped into?
1492, into the Holy League
Whose idea was it include England in the Holy league, why was this?
Ferdinand of Aragon, he thought it would be dangerous not to
What was the one condition for England joining the Holy League?
They couldn’t be bound to go to war, suggesting they wanted a neutral England
What did Henry do with France at the same time as joining the Holy League?
He signed a trade agreement with France
Henry tried to make a three-way agreement between England, France and the Netherlands, what was he trying to form?
An anti-Ferdinand alliance
by 1508 Henry had established what against Ferdinand of Spain?
The League of Cambrai
Why did the League of Cambrai never fully form?
Louis XII, King of France pulled out from fear of antagonising Ferdinand
Why did Louis XII pull out of the League of Cambrai agreement?
Him and Ferdinand had made an agreement over Itlay, he didn’t want to risk it
What happened between Louis XII and Ferdinand of Aragon after he withdrew from the League of Cambrai agreement?
Louis bribed Ferdinand into forming their own alliance
Which country was the new League after the League of Cambrai and was Henry involved?
The agreement was anti-Vatican, not anti-Spanish and Henry wasn’t invited to be a part
Even though Henry had been isolated from the anti-Venice league was he in a dangerous position?
No, they did not threaten his interests and the members still supported him
What alliance united France and Scotland? When was it signed?
The Auld Alliance, 1295
Who did Scotland favour? Henry or Richard III?
Henry VII?
When was the initial three-year truce signed between England and Scotland?
July 1486
What ended the 1486 truce between England and Scotland?
The assassination of James III in 1488
Why did the death of James III in 1488 make conflict between England and Scotland less probable?
James IV was only 15, he couldn’t head an army so was unlikely to wage war against Henry
Why was there still a risk of conflict between Henry and Scotland upon the ascension of James IV?
Some Scottish regents were anti-English as a result of their support for Brittany in the Breton Crisis
How did Henry avert the problems with Scottish Nobles while James IV was 15?
He kept contact with Scottish Nobles, headed by the Earl of Angus
Who did Henry offer shelter too in 1492 and who did it bring to power?
He sheltered the Scottish nobles who overthrew the anti-English regents, this brought the Earl of Angus back to power
What happened as a result of the Earl of Angus being in power after 1492?
The singing of a nine year truce between Scotland and England in 1492
What happened in 1495 that ended the nine-year truce between England and Scotland?
James IV came of age so wanted to assert dominance by warring with England
Why James IV never go to war with Henry VII?
He was aware of England’s good standing in Europe and thought Parliament had raised funds for an invasion, he didn’t want to take the risk
What happened as a result of James IV not warring with Henry VII?
The Truce of Ayton in 1497
When did the Truce of Ayton become a full treaty and under what circumstances?
1497 upon the execution of Perkin Warbeck
Which marriage reinforced the Treaty of Ayton?
The marriage between Margaret, Henry VII’s Daughter and James IV in 1503
What didn’t happen as a result of James and Margarets marriage in 1503? Why not?
Perpetual peace, James expanded his navy which increased tensions and Scotland remained part of the Auld Alliance
Which two kingdoms united to form Spain?
Aragon and Castile
Who married to unite Aragon and Castile? When did this wedding take place?
Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, 1469
What solidified the new kingdom of Spain a decade after the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella?
Their victory in the 1479 civil war
What common enemy did England have with Spain?
France
What did Henry propose to Spain in 1488?
The marriage between their daughter, Catherine of Aragon and Henry’s son, Arthur.
Why were the marriage negotiations in 1488 between England and Spain difficult?
Both nations wanted the most advantageous agreement for them
What happened in the March of 1489?
The Treaty of Medina del Campo
What did the Treaty of Medina del Campo (1489) Propose?
- Arthur Tudor and Catherine of Aragon would Marry- Catherine’s dowry would be £40k- Spain would offer no support for English rebels- There would be benefits for trade between England and Spain- If either country warred with France the other was to intervene
When was the final marriage agreement with Spain made for the marriage of Arthur and Catherine? How long did it take for Catherine to arrive in England?
1496, 1501
What other marriage in Spanish relations meant Henry valued the Medina del Campo?
Joanna had married Philip of Burgundy, Henry could use the ties to Spain to have an alliance with Burgundy
What happened five months into Arthur and Catherines marriage?
Arthur died
What was Henry’s contingency for the death of Arthur so the ending of the Spanish Alliance?
Catherine of Aragon should marry his other son, Henry
When was the marriage between Catherine of Aragon and Henry (VIII) agreed?
1503
When did the actual marriage between Catherine of Aragon and Henry (VIII) take place?
1509
What when did Isabella of Castile die?
1504
What did the death of Isabella of Castile cause?
The Castilian succession crisis
How long did the Castilian succession crisis last?
1504 - 1506
What did the death of Isabella of Castile end?
It ended the Anti-French alliance of England, Spain and the Netherlands
What did Isabella of Castile’s will state?
That Joanna would inherit Castile while Ferdinand would return to ruling just Aragon
What happened for Henry when Philip of Burgundy tried to claim Castile for Joanna while Ferdinand refused?
He was in a position where he needed to choose between losing the cloth trade with the Netherlands by preserving links with Ferdinand or losing ties with Spain through preservation of Spanish ties
Why was Philip of Burgundy able to influence Henry during the Castilian succession crisis?
They (the Netherlands) were sheltering the Earl of Suffolk who could launch a Yorkist attack on the English Throne
If Castile was to come under Burgundian influence what would that mean for Henry and Catherine’s marriage?
It would bring England far less benefit than it would if she held Castile
Who did Philip turn to for support during the Castilian Succession Crisis? Why was this surprising?
Louis XII of France, this was surprising as Aragon and France were usually hostile to one another
Louis XII’s assistance of Ferdinand of Aragon in the pursuit for Castile caused Philip of Burgundy to do what?
Sail to Castile to secure his wife’s inheritence
The close relations between France and Spain did what to Britain and Burgundy? What did Henry do for Philip?
Forced them close together diplomatically, Henry lent Philip money to finance his expedition
Who did Henry consider marrying which suggested a breakdown in Anglo-Spanish relations during the Castilian succession crisis?
Margaret of Savoy, Philips sister
Henry kept what from Ferdinand which antagonised him during the CSC?
Cathrine’s Dowry
What happened with the weather during the CSC that made Henry almost entirely abandon Spain?
Bad weather made Philip land in England, while Henry’s guest he was persuaded to sign a treaty that meant;
1- The Earl of Suffolk was handed over to Henry
2- Henry’s son, Henry would marry Philips sister
When did Philip and Joanna receive a positive welcome in Castile?
April 1506
What failed to materialise for Ferdinand in 1506? What was he forced to do as a result?
French support, forced with withdraw to Aragon
What happened in September 1506?
Philip died
What did Philips death in 1506 mean for the state of Castile and Burgundy?
Ferdinand retook Castile, Maximilian took the Regency for Burgundy and Joanna of Castile had a breakdown
Ferdinand’s retaking of Castile, The new Regent of Burgundy and the breakdown of Joanna meant what for Henry VII?
An Anglo-Spanish marriage was more appealing
What did Henry fear from France now Maximilian was Regent of Burgundy?
They would attempt to seize lands to increase their empire
How did Henry attempt to restore the English-Burgundian-Spanish alliance after the death of Philip? Did this work?
A proposal of his marriage to Joanna, this did not work, Ferdinand refused his offer and didn’t send the rest of Catherine’s dowry
What did Henry do in 1508? What did he seek instead?
He abandoned the Anglo-Burgundian-Spanish alliance in favour of an agreement between England, France and Burgundy
What did Henry Revoke, which marriage was he trying to speed up by doing this?
Magnus Intercursus, for the marriage between his daughter, Mary and Charles of Ghent to win Burgundian support
What other Marriage did Henry arrange alongside Mary & Charles of Ghent?
Archduke Charles, son of Joanna and Philip to Mary
What marriage did Henry organise to embarrass Spain?
Henry offered his son, Henry to the niece of Louis XII
How did English foreign policy appear by 1508?
It appeared that by 1508 England had created an anti-Spanish alliance.
What happened towards the end of 1508 that ended Henry’s apparent anti-Spanish alliance?
Louis XII decided he couldn’t antagonise Spain so made an agreement with Ferdinand. This led to the 1508 League of Cambria
What trade agreement was carried in the Medina del Campo treaty?
It allowed the export of goods from Spain in foreign ships
What was Henry’s biggest trade?
The Cloth Trade through Antwerp
When was the Magnus Intercursus and what was its intention?
1496, it’s intention was to expand Henry’s cloth trade and lift the embargo placed on the trade in 1493 as a result of Margaret of Burgundy’s support of Warbeck
When did Henry place an embargo on the Cloth trade? Why did he do this?
1493 - 1496, Margaret of Burgundy supported Perkin Warbeck
What did the Magnus Intercursus allow?
English merchants to trade wholesale anywhere in Philip’s land without paying tolls and customs (besides Flanders)
What was developed in 1506 when Henry VII sheltered Philip of Burgundy?
The Malus Intercurus
What were the 4 main features of the Malus Intercursus
1- Trade with Burgundy would be free
2- Philip was to not impose any duties on the sale of English cloth
3- Philip was to not exclude English cloth from his lands
4- Philips subjects still had to pay the Magnus Intercursus duties
When did the Malus Intercursus end? Why?
1507, it was far too favourable for English merchants
What did Henry originally keep Spain exempt from in trade?
Duties on the import of English goods
What did the Navigation Acts of 1485-86 impose?
Forbade English merchants from moving their products on foreign ships if English ones were available
How did Spain retaliate to the Navigation acts?
Spanish goods couldn’t be exported on foreign ships if Spanish ones were available
What treaty ended the dispute caused by the Navigation acts?
Treaty of Medina del Campo
What did Spain never allow Henry access to for trading?
The New World
Who dominated Mediterranean trade?
The Venetians
What did the Venetians do to English ships?
Imposed Very Heavy duties
How did Henry retaliate to the Heavy Venetian duties?
Imposed them back on them and approached Florence as an alternative trading partner in 1490
How did the Venetians respond to Henry approaching Florence as an alternate trading partner?
They dropped the heavy duties imposed on English ships
