Henry VIII's Foreign Policy Evaluation

Question 1

Henry VIII’s Foreign Policy Evaluation

Answer 1

Largely unsuccessful, didn’t assert claim to French throne achieved little of significance overseas

Success
- French invasion of 1512, captured Therounne and Tournai + Battle of Spurs propaganda victory but little of importance, huge financial cost

• French War 1542-46 captures Boulougne at huge financial cost. Treaty of Camp 1546 gave them it for 7 years then evacuate for 2,000,000 Crowns
• Killed James V at Solway Moss 1542. Proposed Treaty of Greenwich to marry Edward & Mary (James’ Daughter) is rejected

Failure
- Field of Cloth of Gold 1520, wasted a years income

• Sent army to aid Spain v France in 1523 but Charles I more concerned w Italy & abandoned. Cost £400,000
• Failed to take advantage of Francis I being captured by Charles I in 1525 after Wolsey couldn’t raise funds
• Declared war w Spain in 1528 to aid France but France & Spain make peace and England only invited to peace talks last minute, showing still not a major power