''How successful was HVIII foreign policy'' (25 marks)

Introduction

Henrys foreign policy was not successful as he failed to achieve any lasting territory in France and Annulment

Paragraph 1 - Early aims, battles with France and Scotland (3 points)
+overview

1. Battle of Spurs 1513, Henry won the French territory Tournai however it cost him all of the inherited money his father left him (£300,000). He was also forced to sell it back to them after just 5 years as it was becoming too expensive to upkeep

2. Battle of Flodden Sep 1513, Henry defeated Scotland in battle killing James IV and most of the nobility. The crown was free for Henry to take but he didnt pursue it because he was too distracted by France

3. Henrys first invasion of France was a failure, 10000 men sent and were basically just used as a distraction for Ferdinand
   
   Overview: Henrys early policy was effective at portraying him as a ‘Warrior King’ but not anything else, the territories he won didnt last long and he ignored a crippled Scotland because he was too zealous in taking France

Paragraph 2 - mid aims, keeping costs down, maintaining peace (2 points)
+Overview

1. Treaty of London was arranged by Wolsey and agreed peace with France and other nations, anti-aggression pact

2. Field of Cloth of Gold 1520, promoted good relations with Francis I (France) and Henry. However it was very costly, more than his entire yearly expenditure (£36000), and didnt really amount to anything. Just 2 years later Henry was invading France again with the ‘help’ of Charles V
   
   Overview: Unsuccessful, any peace he did negotiate didnt last long, such as the Field of Cloth of Gold. And even when he did secure peace, it usually came at a huge cost

Paragraph 3 - Great Matter, Catholic resistance

1. Break from Rome 1532 achieved through parliament, Henry becomes Head of the Church of England

2. Pope published a bill saying that the English Catholics didnt have to obey Henry

3. Henry publishes Six Articles of faith which were Pro-Catholic
   
   Overview: Henry failed to secure Annulment