AS FP2 : Henry VIII, Foreign Policy (1529 - 1547) Flashcards
(14 cards)
Foreign Policy, 1529-1540, conceptual Awareness
What was Henry’s relationship with Ireland for the first part of his reign?
For the first part of his reign the king had few concerns regarding Ireland, the English authorities remained in control of the Pale, whereas Gerald Fitzgerald, the Earl of Kildare, remained the most prominent Irish nobleman.
However, in the latter-half of the reign the relationship between the King and Kildare broke down as Henry did not trust the Irish authorities to keep order.
Foreign Policy, 1529-1540
What happened after Kildare’s dismissal?
The Earl of Kildare’s dismissal in 1534 led to a major rebellion, led by his son, Thomas Fitzgerald. The rebellion was supressed with difficulty and at great expense, further attempts to bring Ireland under English control failed, it required royal government through an English-born Irish deputy and substantial army support ; became a drain on English resources.
Foreign Policy, 1529-1540
What was the consequence of the Kildare Rebellion (1534)?
Led to the resentment of Gaelic Lords with Con O’Neill and Manus O’Donnel invading the Pale in 1539, the government eventually regained control and attempted to pacify England by establishing it as a seperate kingdom in 1541. However, the government lacked the resources to go through with the reforms and there was no residual loyalty to the Crown ; things got worse after the break with rome.
Foreign Policy, 1529-1540, conceptual awareness
What happened in 1532 leading up to the Break with Rome?
In 1532 Henry tried to shore up his position by making a fragile alliance with France, however, due to France’s weak position very little pressure was put on the Emperor. The French alliance began to unravel anyways due to Francis seeking a marriage between his son, Henri, and the Pope’s niece, Catherine de Medici.
Foreign Policy, 1529-1540
What was the international reaction to the Break with Rome?
For Henry, the Break with Rome was the only solution to his ‘great matter’, though this horrified Catholic powers, there were no immediate reprecussions because Charles V was more concerned with the threat of the Ottoman Turks.
Foreign Policy, 1529-1540
What and when was the alliance with the League of Schmalkalden?
The alliance with the League of Schmalkalden, 1536, was Henry’s response to his isolation after the break with Rome. Achieved through the marriage alliance with Anne of Cleves, however this quickly broke down.
Foreign Policy, 1529-1540
When was Henry VIII excommunicated? What did this result in?
Henry VIII was excommunicated in 1538, posing the threat of a catholic crusade against England. In 1538 the Treaty of Nice was signed between Spain and France who agreed to sever ties with England, however this broke down with renewed fighting between France + Spain.
Foreign Policy, 1540-1547
Describe Henry VIII’s foreign policy between 1540 and 1547.
The final years of Henry VIII’s reign mark a distinct contrast with the experience of the previous decade. In the 1530s foreign policy had been to minimise the response of foreign powers to the break with Rome. In the 1540s Henry returned to the aggressive foreign policy which marred the beginning of his reign.
Foreign Policy, 1540-1547
Describe the beginning of the third French war.
Henry made an alliance with Charles V in 1544 in order to invade France, he and his army of 48,000 men confined itself to the vicinity of Calais, beseiging Montreuil unsuccessfully and capturing the Port of Boulogne.
Foreign Policy, 1540-1547
Describe the middle of the third French war.
Charles tired of Henry and signed the Treaty of Crépy with France whilst a seperate French force landed in the Isle of Wight (1545).
Foreign Policy, 1540-1547
Describe the end of the third French war.
France failed to recapture Boulogne and the invasion of Northern England never materialised, neither side could afford to continue the conflict and a peace was signed in 1546.
Treaty of Ardwes, England would give up the port of Boulogne in 8 years time.
Foreign Policy, 1540-1547
What were the consequences of the third French War?
- Much of the crown estate was sold off
- Coinage was debased
- Large sums of money were borrowed and Boulogne was a drain on resources that increased the rate of inflation.
- Cost £2 million overall.
Securing the Succession
Name the legitimisation and delegitimisation of Henry VIII’s children.
Princess Mary, born 1516, made illegitemate in 1534.
Princess Elizabeth, born 1533, made illegitemate in 1536.
Prince Edward, born 1537.
Succession act of 1544 re-legitimised Elizabeth and Mary.
Securing the succession
What were the terms of Henry VIII’s will?
- Set up a regency council on Edward’s behalf.
- Right of succession for Mary, Duchess of Suffolk if Edward, Mary and Elizabeth died without heirs.
