Wolsey's Foreign Policy Flashcards
Did Wolsey and Henry have the same aims in foreign policy?
No! Henry preferred war. In contrast, Wolsey knew that wars were both risky and expensive - so unless there was a very high chance of success, he preferred peace.
Did Wolsey and Henry agree on anything regarding foreign policy?
Yes - that England should be seen as the equal to the two most powerful states - France and the Holy Roman Empire. To achieve this, England would have to ‘punch above its weight’ and Wolsey’s problem was convincing Henry that this could be achieved through diplomacy as well as war.
What was the significance of the first French expedition of 1513 to Wolsey?
Before becoming Henry’s diplomatic adviser he had to prove himself worthy enough, so he took on the role of a Quartermaster-General:
He experienced duties such as organising, financing, transport, feeding armies etc.
He worked well with King Ferdinand of Aragon and impressed Henry VIII
When was the First French War?
1512-1513
Two invasions: First= embarrassment, Second= victory
Why was there a French War?
Part of the ‘War of the League of Cambrai’
Henry VIII dreamed of glory
He was advised not to go to an expensive war and focus on stability in England.
But he won an argument for war in 1511 and sent troops to France
What was achieved in the French War of 1513?
English troops defeated the French in the ‘Battle of the Spurs’
They captured the town of Tournai and the Therouanne fortress.
What was the Treaty of Germaine-en-Laye, 1514?
The Treaty of Germaine-en-Laye, 1514, was negotiated by Wolsey and gave England full possession of Tournai as well as a high annual payment to Henry for agreeing to give up his claims to the French throne.
What was the Treaty of London, 1518?
A foreign policy triumph for Wolsey - and therefore for Henry VIII.
Also called the Treaty of Universal Peace - it said that all the countries of Europe would live at peace with each other. If anyone broke the peace, the other countries would punish the treaty-breaker.
Why was the Treaty of London, 1518, hailed as a moral and diplomatic triumph at the time?
Because it meant all the important rulers of Europe were working together for peace and in defence of the Pope. Most importantly for Henry, it had taken place in London and he had been in the centre of events - he looked like he had united the whole of Europe in peace.
When was the Field of the Cloth of Gold?
1520
What was the Field of the Cloth of Gold?
It was one of four great conferences organised by Wolsey between Charles V and Francis I. This one was with Francis I and was a success for Henry as it made him look like he was controlling affairs in Europe.
Why did Wolsey and Henry’s success in foreign policy not last?
Because Charles V and Francis I seemed determined to go to war with each other and England could not sit on the sidelines. Henry made the natural decision to side with Charles and go to war against the traditional enemy: France.
Why were Charles and Francis destined to fight each other? Three reasons.
Because Francis I had hoped to be elected Holy Roman Emperor but Charles I of Spain was elected instead
Because France became surrounded by Habsburg land after Charles I became HRE Charles V
Because Charles V inherited a claim to the Duchy of Milan, which was currently under French control
How significant was the Field of the Cloth of Gold?
It was impressive but not very significant. Spain became suspicious that England was taking sides – but at the same time it did not achieve even a lasting peace with France and the two countries were at war within 2 years.
What happened after the Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1521?
Francis I declared war on Charles V in April 1521
How did Wolsey react to Francis I’s declaration of war on Charles V in 1521?
He tried to put together a peace deal in August 1521 but failed.
With Wolsey’s grand hopes for ‘universal peace’ in shreds, what foreign policy strategy did Wolsey adopt?
England decided to side with Charles V because England’s political and trade interests were more strongly linked with Charles V’s Habsburg Empire. England declared war on France in May 1522.
Where was the alliance between England and Charles V in 1522 signed and was this in any way a success?
The alliance was signed at the Treaty of Bruges. It was successful for Wolsey because he negotiated a one-year delay in sending an English army (hoping that by then the conflict might be over). Also, Wolsey welcomed the prestige of signing a treaty with Europe’s most powerful leader.
Why did English support for the war against France decline in 1523?
A planned joint attack on Paris fizzled out because troops promised by Charles V and the Duke of Bourbon never arrived, leaving the Duke of Suffolk to retreat after coming within 50 miles of the capital.
What happened in 1525 to change the mood in England towards the war against France?
Charles V destroyed the French army at the Battle of Pavia and Francis I was taken prisoner.
Why did the Battle of Pavia demonstrate that Charles V saw himself as superior to Henry VIII?
Because it appeared that Charles had used English troops to distract Francis I while he attacked Francis to score the dramatic victory.
How did Wolsey and Henry react after the results of the Battle of Pavia became apparent?
They pressed Charles V to exploit the victory with a joint invasion of the now leaderless France. France would be divided between the two allies and Henry would take the French crown.
Why did Wolsey and Henry’s plans after the Battle of Pavia come to nothing?
Because Charles V had different ideas - he had no plans to make his rival Henry VIII more powerful. He released Francis I on the assurance that France would not seek revenge.
Why was the Campaign against France 1522-1525 such a failure? 4 reasons!
Charles did not view England as an equal or ally.
Charles had used English troops to distract France while he attacked in Italy.
Charles was not prepared to share any of his spoils from the victory at Pavia in 1525.
Henry had spent £430,000. The taxes and forced loans had hurt Henry’s popularity in England.
