Edward VI: Foreign policy under Somerset Flashcards
(9 cards)
Countries concerning foreign policy
France & Scotland. Historical Auld Alliance
What was Somerset’s aim with Scotland?
To assert Edward’s claim to the Scottish throne through a marriage with Mary Queen of Scots.
Somerset’s strategy to achieve his aim in Scotland
Defeat the Scots in battle and build garrisons and forts in Scotland.
Outcome of Somerset’s Scottish foreign policy
Battle of Pinkie Cleugh - Scottish were completely destroyed. Win for Somerset.
16,000 troops and 4,000 cavalry sent and backed up with 30 warships. Scottish army poorly equipped.
Complications of the Scottish conquest
The forts were very expensive to garrison, costing £85,000 in two years.
Somerset underestimated the Auld Alliance and failed to stop French relief of Edinburgh.
The garrisons and attempt at spreading the English bible caused increased Scottish resentment of the English.
Result of Scottish foreign policy
The military strategy was unaffordable at a time of financial pressure.
Debasement of the coinage caused £500,000 to be raised but in the long-term severely threatened the economy.
Relations with France deteriorated and the prospect of a French invasion came about. In the summer of 1549, troops were withdrawn from Scotland to deal with rebellions at home.
Foreign policy with France
1547 - Francis I signed a defensive treaty with Somerset. But he died months later and Henry II was king.
Henry saw a treaty with England as weak and demanded the return of Calais and Boulogne.
Foreign policy with Spain
Charles V and Somerset = good relations.
Spanish agreed that French ships wouldn’t be able to port in the Netherlands if they supported the Scots. Deterred Henry II from proclaiming war for a long time.
