Henry VIII : foreign policy change vs continuity

Question 1

Most significant change ?

Answer 1

Henry’s fp changed from war-like to more peaceful as financial funding started to run out
- Henry sought peace with France, marriage of Mary his sister (Louis XII) and the treaty of London in 1518
- H + W emerged as leading diplomats n Western Europe which turned into the treaty of perpetual peace
- field of cloth of Gold
- in 1520’s England took certain stage in international politics
but
- 1540’s Henry returned to aggressive FP which characterised his early years of his reign eg. launched attacks on Scotland (1542) and France (1544)

Question 2

changes in ireland?

Answer 2

• Kildares dismisal as chief minister in 1534 led to a major rebellion led by his son Thomas Fitzgerald
• attempted to have under English control but failed
• required royal government through an English-born deputy, supported by a substantial military presence
• made worse by the scale of resentment amongst the Gaelic lords, Two of these nobles, Con O’Neill and Manus O’Donnell, invaded the Pale in 1539
  ➡️Ireland therefore became an increasing drain on the Crown’s resources + the govt eventually regained control and tried to pacify Ireland by establishing it as a separate kingdom in 1541, imposing English law and creating counties out of the Gaelic lordships

Question 3

change in focus of foreign policy?

Answer 3

1530’s focus of FP was to minimise response of foreign powers to Break with Rome
1540’s Henry returned to aggressive FP which characterised his early years of his reign eg. launched attacks on Scotland (1542) and France (1544)

Question 4

continuity of foreign policy?

Answer 4

England’s position in Europe still weak/ isolated
- Position only worsening by the Break with Rome ➡️
- Death of Louis XII left french throne in hands of Francis I, henry saw him as a personal rival so immediately went to seek alliance with Ferdinand of Aragon BUT died in 1516, and his successor Charles V sought an alliance with the French ➡️ following year Charles V and his grandfather emperor Maximillian agreed the treaty of cambrai with the french therefore leaving england dangerously isolated (unlucky)

Question 5

continuity of foreign policy? (2)

Answer 5

Henry significantly overestimated English power, see when invading strong powers (especially at end) eg. France
- Henry’s reign started with invasions of France eg. Battle of Spurs 1513 and invasions in 1544 ➡ spending money he didn’t have (obsession of gaining territory in France)
- At the end of Henry’s reign the English were defeated at the Battle of Ancrum Moor (1545) in attempted invasion of France ➡️ Henry paid a high price for his final and vain pursuit of glory + had to sell crown lands to fund war causing inflation
- English army besieging Montreuil unsuccessfully but captured Boulogne (1544)

Question 6

continuity (3)?

Answer 6

conflict with Scots continued
Scotts heavily defeated at at the Battle of Solway Moss + James V died shortly after leaving as his heir his one-week-old daughter Mary (vulnerable) ➡️ Henry could have easily launched a full scale invasion but was rather focused on invaded France
- The Scottish policy became known as the ‘rough wooing’, Henry sought to marry his youngest son with Mary, Queen of Scots.

Question 7

conclusion?

Answer 7

Henry’s approach to FP seemed inconsistent and unpredictable. His battles against other European countries were often successful. However, little was gained from them and so much of the land he conquered was given back as it proved too difficult to maintain peace and order. Henry’s grand plans to promote his country were rarely shared by the population who resented the increased taxation to fund his battles. Furthermore, his actions alienated other monarchs and lost large sums of money