AS FP1, HVII's Foreign Policy, (1485-1492) Flashcards
(9 cards)
Conceptual Awareness
What were Henry’s aims in Foreign Policy?
1) Maintain prestige while keeping costs down ; England had ceased to be a major power after its defeat in the hundred year war in 1453, foreign entaglement was risky and had to be funded through unpopular taxation.
2) Promote prosperity in England ; The treasury was more secure when England was an ally for a main power in Europe and trading prosperity depended on international peace and advantageous commercial terms.
3) **Achieve international recognition **through marriage alliances to foreign powers.
4) Secure his throne; as a usurper Henry understood the risks of pretenders supported by foreign powers.
Developing Diplomacy
What were some ways that Henry immediately secured his throne?
In the short-term Henry secured his throne by agreeing to a 1 year truce with France (1485) and a 3 year truce with Scotland (1486).
Developing Diplomacy
In 3 sentences, describe the Breton Crisis.
Henry’s first major foreign policy involvement came in Brittany, a fiefdom of the French Crown, which had enjoyed effective independence. France wanted to end Brittany’s independence, however Henry feared this as the French would thus have complete control of their northern coast, thereby threatening England. However, Henry had obligations to both Brittany and France from his time in exile, thus complicating the situation further.
Developing Diplomacy
What and when was the Treaty of Redon?
The Treaty of Redon (1489) was a response to the 1487 invasion of Brittany by France, Henry signed the treaty with Anne of Brittany, agreeing to send troops to Brittany under the condition that Brittany would finance them.
Henry also sought an alliance with Maximillian of the HRE who had agreed to a marriage by proxy with Anne.
Developing Diplomacy
Why was Henry left in a difficult position during the Breton Crisis?
Anne feared that resistance was futile and reluctantly agreed to marry Charles VIII of France, Maximillian thus lost interest and English troops were left marooned in France. Additionally, due to the presence of Perkin Warbeck in French courts, Henry was left in a difficult position.
Developing Diplomacy
How did the Breton Crisis end?
The Breton Crisis ended when Henry decided to launch an invasion of France late into the campaigning season, knowing that France would be preoccupied with the Italian Wars. Consequently, France sought a quick peace with England as it could not afford a war with it ; the Treaty of Étaples was signed in 1492 ensuring a period of cordial relations, an end to France’s support for Perkin Warbeck and an annual French pension of £5000.
Major Success, Long-term
Developing Diplomacy
What was the Treaty of Medina Del Campo?
The Treaty of Medina Del Campo (1489) was a treaty between Spain and England that agreed to a marriage alliance between Herny’s son, Arthur, and Catherine of Aragon, as well as mutual protection in the event of an attack and an agreement not to harbour pretenders or rebels.
Success from 1489 –> 1502
Developing Diplomacy
What were the problems with the Treaty of Medina Del Campo?
There were problems implementing the Treaty as arrangements for the marriage did not go smoothly, Ferdinand refused to agree to the marriage until the threat of Perkin Warbeck was dealt with - the marriage was finally agreed to in 1499 - and neither monarch could agree on the size of Catherine’s dowry.
Developing Diplomacy
What problems did the Lambert Simnel affair pose to Henry’s foreign policy?
Lambert Simnel had support from foreign powers, for example he was crowned Edward VI in Dublin 1486 by the Earl of Kildare and he was recognised by Margaret of Burgundy as her nephew and was given 2000 mercanaries.
Foreign support for pretenders highlights England’s isolation
