How far did Henry pursue a consistent foreign policy with Spain and Burgundy? Flashcards
How was strengthening links with Spain made easier
the two nations also had a common enemy
in France and this allowed England and Spain to ignore their commercial rivalry
Background of Treaty of Medina del Campo
In 1488 Henry had suggested to Spain a marriage between his son, Arthur,
and Ferdinand and Isabella’s youngest daughter. Catherine of Aragon, even
chough Catherine was only three at the time (but was still six months older
phan Arthur) The proposal was of great significance to
Henry because if it was agreed it would give him recognition from a major European power and
signify that Spain thought his position on the English throne was secure.
However, negotiations were slow as both nations wanted the most favourable
agreement
Treaty of Medina del Campo
the most significant foreign policy achievement of Henry’s reign. The
treaty agreed that
Arthur and Catherine would marry
Catherine’s dowry would be £40,000 (200.000 crowns), which would be
paid to Henry VI in instalments
Spain would not help any English rebels
- there would be benefits for English trade with Spain
if either country was at war with France, the other was to intervene
immediately
Significance of last point of Medina del Campo
war between France and Spain was likely
as Spain wanted to regain lands on its Pyrenean borders. in return Spain
offered to help England regain Normandy and Aquitaine. Although Spain
was able to regain its border lands by 1493 it gave little help to Henry.
However, this did not appear to concern him. Henry may have realised
that the reconquest of lands in France was unrealistic or, having usurped
the throne, that it was more important to have secured recognition from a
major European royal family. This view is given greater credence by Henry’s
decision to celebrate the agreement by minting a new gold sovereign on
which he was portrayed wearing the prestigious imperial crown, suggesting
he considered his power and position more secure
Weaknesses of Medina del Campo
the final
marriage agreement with Spain was not made until 1496 and Catherine
did not arrive in England, with 100,000 crowns of her dowry, until 1501
Why was MDL delayed
in part due to Henry’s insecure position and the problem of
Warbeck; Spain was not willing to send Catherine to England while there
was still the possibility that Henry would be removed from the throne
How did MDL take on an even greater significance
First, Henry hoped to be able to use the closer ties with Spain
to gain access to the new Spanish Empire, and second, Catherine’s sister,
Joanna, had married Philip of Burgundy, which had brought Spain and
Burgundy closer together and might offer the possibility of another ally
should Henry need it
What happened after Arthurs death with MDL
The importance of the marriage is clearly seen in Henry’s subsequent
suggestion that Catherine should marry his second son, Henry. The
king did not want to lose the Spanish alliance and prestige the marriage
had brought and, after discussions and papal dispensation, Catherine was
betrothed to Henry in June 1503. However, changes in Spain
meant that it would be another six years before the actual marriage
took place
What did the death of Isabella of Castile in November 1504 resulted in
