AS FP1, HVII's Foreign Policy, (1503-1509)

Question 1

Changing Diplomacy

How did relations with Spain change after 1502?

Answer 1

Arthur and Catherine’s marriage took place in 1501, however in 1502 Arthur died which brought complications to Henry’s relationship with Ferdinand. Henry immediately suggested that Catherine marry prince Henry but Ferdinand was reluctant to agree as it would require a papal dispensation and Ferdinand had no need for an English alliance.

Question 2

Changing Diplomacy

Describe the Spanish Succession Crisis and the problems it created for Henry.

Answer 2

In 1504 Henry lost interest in the marriage alliance between prince Henry and Catherine as, after the death of Isabella of Castille, Ferdinand became a less significant political figure. During the succession crisis, Henry supported Philip of Burgundy (as it would maintain trading relations) signging the Treaty of Windsor in 1506 after Philip and Juana’s shipwreck.

Henry secured the Earl of Suffolk and proposed a marriage with Margaret of Savoy, however Philip died later in 1506 leaving Ferdinand to become regent King as he accused Juana of being mad with grief.

Ferdinand felt spurned by Henry’s support for Philip and the, now broken down, marriage alliance with Margaret of Savoy, Ferdinand thus refused to agree to the marriage between Prince Henry and Catherine until after Henry’s death and diplomatically isolated Henry through the Treaty of Cambrai (1508).

Major Failure

Question 3

Changing Diplomacy

What was the Treaty of Windsor + Malus Intercursus?

Answer 3

The Treaty of Windsor, 1506, was a treaty between Henry and the HRE, one of the outcomes was a new trade agreement of the Malus Intercursus :
- Would have given a stronger trading position to English Merchants had it been enforced (deemed too harsh + damaged the foundations for positive trading relations).
- Philip agreed to hand over the Yorkist fugitive, the Earl of Suffolk.

Question 4

Changing Diplomacy

When did the Truce of Ayton come to fruition?

Answer 4

The Truce of Ayton came to fruition as the 1502 Treaty of Perpetual Peace, Margaret and James married in 1503.