Mary and Calais Flashcards
Europe’s context between 1553-5?
Charles V (Mary’s supporter) was struggling in Hasburg-Valois War, dominating foreign policy for 30 years. Abdicated in 1555, Philip took over in the West
What were Englands relation with the tensions in Europe during 1553-55?
Marriage made England little more submissive satellite around the Hasburg power.
Wyatts rebellion was a manifestation of such fear
England was seen as a pawn for the Hasburgs but Mary wanted peace- acting as a mediator between France and Hasburgs
What was the state of Mary’s marriage at this time?
In summer 1555, emotional distance between Philip and Mary when she made it clear she would’t be having children - so he left.
European issues occurred in 1556-7
Treaty of Vaucelle (1556)- Truce between France and Hasburgs.
Philip attacked the anti-Spanish pope (Paul IV- allied with France). Henry II of France countered and England instantly became under pressure to join Spain.
How did the issues in 1556-58 come to an end?
Financial exhaustion brought Hasburg Valois conflict to an end and in 1558 Philip succeeded. Cateau-Cambresis peace negotiation in 1559. Philip didn’t recover Calais for England.
How did England get involved in the war?
Philip demanded English support and returned to the country in March to press his claim for funds, navy support and troops. 6000 sent to Netherlands in Jan 1557 to help trade sensitive regions to resist French attacks- provoked a war.
French support any attempts from Protestants and Marian exiles to invade- 1557, England declared war on France
What did England do during the war?
Channel cleared for Atlantic patrol and Scottish Garrisons strengthened incase of an attack
Troops sent to Calais to be on stand by.
7000 sent to aid Spanish troops. Philip defeats with minimal need for English support.
What happened in Calais?
Calais became a target when France faced defeat. There was a surprise attack in the winter, 2000 soldiers didn’t receive winter help. 27000 French captured Calais in 3 weeks. England sent 7000 fleet of 140 ships to attack Brest but only captured Le Conquet
Negative impact of losing Calais?
Lost a trade but end of Staple merchants in Calais were at a long decline in traditional market.
Kings have claimed Calais since 1347 which could be seen as humiliating, abandoning the sovereign English territory (Protestant propaganda) so morale was shaken by protestant accentuated feeling of loss.
Seemed like a betrayal, Philip abandoned MAry.
Sliver lining of losing Calais?
Territorially, status had little to maintain as it was only a matter of time
Militarily it was a springboard for Henry VIII in 1520-40 but became hard to maintain and a burden to defend
Overall views on Mary’s handling of her foreign policy?
Failed to gain any tangible alliance with Spanish Hasburgs
No real alternative policy.
Alliance with Haaburgs was strategically and advantageously a natural consequence of Mary’s religion and alienation from her own population.
Mary followed her own priorities before war and during war were led by Spain.
Loss of Calais didn’t condemn her whole reign.
Why did Mary want to ally with Spain so much?
Half Spanish
Charles V was a consistent supporter
Felt surrounded by heretics in her own country- couldn’t trust her population. Could only trust Renards
Justifications for Mary’s failures?
Mary resisted as long as she could but her contributions made little impact.
French attacks were unexpected and impossibly large number of troops would be needed to withstand attacks.
How were Mary’s judgement in her foreign policy a failure and how did Spain betray England?
Marriage to Philip and pursuit of Spanish policies were unpopular her distanced herself from her population
Protecting English appearance and interests was not a priority
English subjects were used as a Spanish pawn.
Spain led their foreign policy but did not supply and reinforce garrisons with Calais. So Spain replaced France as principal enemy with England for Elizabeth
How was the military improved during the war?
Military was substantially strengthened
Navy was reorganised and improved due to the encouragement of Philip
Navy was better managed
Old system of lords and gents individually raising troops was changed. Lord Lieutenants and JP’s were responsible.
The new system remained for 300 years.
