Countries concerning foreign policy
France & Scotland. Historical Auld Alliance
What was Somersets aim with Scotland
To assert Edwards claim to the Scottish throne through a marriage with Mary Queen of Scots.
Somersets strategy to achieve his aim in Scotland
Defeat the Scots in battle and build garrisons and forts in Scotland
Outcome of Somersets 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 poor 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 Edniburgh
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 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 In the summer of 1549, troops were withdrawn from Scotland to deal with Rebellions at home.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 Bolougne
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 proclaiming war for a long time
