Why Henry Tudor Became King Flashcards
Henry Tudor’s actions - Promoting himself as Lancastrian heir
Henry was able to promote himself as the Lancastrian heir to diehard Lancastrians like his uncle Jasper Tudor and John de Vere.
Example sentence: Henry strategically positioned himself as the rightful Lancastrian heir.
Henry Tudor’s actions - Declaration of intention to marry Elizabeth of York
Henry Tudor’s public declaration of his intention to marry Elizabeth of York was a very clever move that gained him much support among former followers of Edward IV.
Additional information: Henry’s announcement of his marriage intention was a strategic political move.
Henry Tudor’s actions - Careful avoidance of direct confrontation with Richard III
Henry was a clever and patient opponent, he was careful to avoid direct confrontation with Richard III until he had a large enough force to have a realistic chance of success.
Example sentence: Henry’s strategic approach of avoiding direct confrontation paid off in the end.
Henry Tudor’s actions - Securing support of influential figures
On 12 August 1485 Henry had won over Rhys ap Thomas, the most influential landowner in South Wales with the promise of the Lieutenancy of Wales should Richard be defeated. He brought 800 men. He later also secured the support of Gilbert Talbot (uncle of the Earl of Shrewsbury) with his 500 men.
Additional information: Henry’s ability to secure support from key figures was crucial to his success.
Henry Tudor’s actions - Admitting military limitations by placing Oxford in leading role
Henry was shrewd enough to admit his own military limitations in placing Oxford in a leading role at Bosworth.
Example sentence: Henry’s decision to place Oxford in a leading role showcased his strategic thinking.
Failures of Richard III - Seizure of the throne and character doubts
It is important to consider the circumstances of Richard III’s seizure of the throne and plausible to argue that this was the start of his troubles as it raised major doubts about his character.
Additional information: Richard III’s actions at the beginning of his reign led to doubts about his character.
Failures of Richard III - Poor judgement regarding followers
Richard’s poor judgement regarding the character of his followers could be explored and Buckingham would be a good example. Northumberland?
Additional information: Richard III’s lack of judgement in choosing followers had negative consequences.
Failures of Richard III - Alienation of southern gentry
Richard’s promotion of northern nobles/gentry and favourites alienated a large number of southern gentry, who would have been crucial to the long-term survival of his regime.
Example sentence: Richard’s favoritism towards northern figures alienated the southern gentry.
Margaret Beaufort - Role in ‘Lancastrian’ dynastic claim
It was through Margaret Beaufort that Henry Tudor was able to make a ‘Lancastrian’ dynastic claim to the English throne.
Example sentence: Margaret Beaufort played a key role in establishing the Lancastrian claim to the throne.
Margaret Beaufort - Advocacy for her son and support during exile
Margaret Beaufort, was a constant, and clever, advocate of her son and worked to support him during his exile (she sent him money several times inc. 1485).
Additional information: Margaret Beaufort’s unwavering support for her son was instrumental in his success.
Margaret Beaufort - Involvement in Buckingham’s rebellion
Margaret Beaufort was most likely involved in encouraging Buckingham’s rebellion, he was her nephew by her former marriage to Henry Stafford, and she sent to Henry Tudor to capitalize upon it, although the attempt ultimately failed.
Example sentence: Margaret Beaufort’s involvement in Buckingham’s rebellion showcased her political acumen.
External intervention - Support from Francis II, Duke of Brittany
Francis II, Duke of Brittany, became quite friendly towards Henry and Jasper Tudor, during their long exile in Brittany in the 1470s. Although he did not let them go, he also refused to hand them over to Edward IV.
Example sentence: Francis II’s support for Henry and Jasper Tudor was pivotal in their exile.
External intervention - Support from Charles VIII of France
Henry Tudor was able to flee Brittany in 1484 due to the support of the court of Charles VIII, the new king of France (his sister Anne was regent).
Example sentence: Charles VIII’s support enabled Henry Tudor to escape from Brittany.
External intervention - Authorization of fleet and troops by French government
In Spring 1485 the French government authorized the equipping of a small fleet plus mercenary troops to be put at the disposal of Henry Tudor for an invasion of England.
Additional information: The French government’s support was crucial in Henry Tudor’s invasion plans.
Margaret Beaufort- The Stanleys
Margaret Beaufort’s influence on her husband Thomas Stanley is arguably demonstrated by his decision not to support Richard III at Bosworth, despite the king holding one of his sons as a hostage.
Elements of the Stanley forces, led by Sir William Stanley, supported Margaret’s son,Henry Tudor, in 1485 and led the decisive charge against Richard III at Bosworth.
