HENRY VII SHOWED HIMSELF TO BE A CAPABLE RULER IN HIS DEALINGS WITH SPAIN IN THE YEARS 1485 - 1509

Question 1

Introduction:

Answer 1

• Knew that Spain was a powerful state
• Wisely chose to develop good relations with Ferdinand + Isabella
• Overall dealt with skill

Question 2

Arguments for Henry 7 being capable:

Answer 2

• Treaty of Medina Del Campo 1489
• After death of Arthur - pragmatism
• Juana and Philip of burgundy

Question 3

Arguments for Henry 7 not being capable

Answer 3

• Death of Philip of Burgundy

Question 4

Conclusion?

Answer 4

• Henry was a capable ruler when it came to his diplomatic dealings with Spain
• While unexpected events resulted in him gaining ‘the short end of the stick’
• overall his actions were calculated in his favour = positive resulted for him and for his dynasty and country.

Question 5

Argument 1: Capable

Answer 5

Was capable: Treaty of Medina Del Campo
- Gave international peace + security
- Mutual protection in the event of attack
- Agreed not to harbour rebels of pretenders
- Marriage alliance between Prince Arthur of Wales + Princess Catherine of Aragon

Question 6

Argument 2: Capable

Answer 6

After death of Arthur - pragmatism
- Henry immediately suggested that Catherine should marry second son Henry
- Ferdinand reluctant: had little need for English alliance / marriage required a papal dispensation
- 1504: Henry lost enthusiasm for marriage // death of Isabella weakened Ferdinand = not an issue
- At this point in time = sensible to Henry to not associate himself with Ferdinand.

Question 7

Argument 3: Capable

Answer 7

Jan 1506: Juana and Philip set sail for Spain - forced to refuge in England when ship wrecked at sea
- Took full advantage - gain the Treaty of Windsor in 1506.
- Capable ruler as he gained the Intercursus Malus - which improved trade + the return Earl of Suffolk
- Recognition of their right to rule Spain = calculated attempt to try + gain favour with other rulers

Question 8

Argument 4: Not Capable

Answer 8

Juana: described by her father Ferdinand as having gone mad
- Allowed Ferdinand to claim that Johanna was mad with grief
- Gave Ferdinand the opportunity once more to become reagent of Castile
- Left Henry diplomatically isolated / outsmarted by a major European Monarch
- Ferdinand ensured Henry + Catherine marry in H7 lifetime - Ferdinand undermining H7