Henry VII’s Foreign Policy

1. What event in Brittany first drew Henry VII into continental politics?

The Breton Crisis (1488–92), when France sought to annex Brittany after Duke Francis II’s death.

2. Why did Henry support Brittany in 1488–92?

To protect England’s security, repay Breton hospitality, and maintain Brittany’s independence.

3. What treaty committed England to help Brittany?

Treaty of Redon (1489) — Henry sent 6,000 troops paid for by Anne of Brittany.

4. How did the death of the Duke of Brittany complicate Henry’s position?

Anne of Brittany married Charles VIII of France in 1491, ending Breton independence.

5. Why was the Treaty of Redon significant?

Henry asserted himself diplomatically and militarily despite limited resources.

6. What prompted Henry to invade France in 1492?

To prevent France from annexing Brittany unchecked and to distract France from supporting Warbeck.

7. What were the terms and outcomes of the Treaty of Etaples (1492)?

France agreed to pay £159,000 to Henry, stopped supporting Warbeck, and recognized his dynasty.

8. How did the Treaty of Etaples strengthen Henry’s security at home?

Eliminated French support for Yorkist pretenders and provided a steady pension.

9. Why did some historians call Henry’s policy toward France “cautious realism”?

He acted prudently, avoided costly war, gained money and recognition, and achieved aims without overstretching.

10. What were the main terms of the Treaty of Medina del Campo (1489)?

Mutual protection, trade advantages, and marriage of Arthur and Catherine of Aragon.

11. How did it strengthen Henry’s international status?

Gave him recognition as a legitimate European monarch.

12. What marriage alliance was agreed in that treaty?

Arthur, Prince of Wales, married Catherine of Aragon.

13. Why did Ferdinand of Aragon delay Catherine’s marriage to Prince Arthur?

He wanted assurance Henry’s throne was secure before committing.

14. How did Arthur’s death in 1502 affect Henry’s relations with Spain?

The alliance was threatened; Catherine became a widow and the marriage plan was uncertain.

15. Why did Henry seek a marriage alliance with Philip of Burgundy after 1503?

To maintain strong European alliances and counterbalance France and Spain.

16. What did Ferdinand’s remarriage to Germaine de Foix mean for Anglo-Spanish relations?

It tied Spain closer to France, isolating England diplomatically.

17. Why was Margaret of Burgundy such a problem for Henry VII?

She supported Yorkist pretenders (Simnel and Warbeck) and opposed Henry’s rule.

18. How was the Burgundian trade embargo connected to Perkin Warbeck?

Margaret encouraged Warbeck; Henry responded with a trade embargo to pressure Burgundy.

19. What were the terms of the Intercursus Magnus (1496)?

Restored trade with Burgundy, merchants could trade freely, and ended embargo.

20. Why was the Intercursus Malus (1506) never properly enforced?

It was too harsh on Burgundy and Philip of Burgundy died soon after, so terms were abandoned.

21. How did Henry use trade policy to increase security?

He used economic pressure to weaken support for pretenders and enforce treaties.

22. Which key event in 1506 gave Henry leverage over Philip of Burgundy?

The shipwreck of Philip and Joanna in England, forcing Philip to negotiate favorably.

23. How did James IV support Perkin Warbeck in 1496?

Provided military support and offered Warbeck marriage prospects.

24. What happened during the Scottish invasion of 1496–97?

James IV invaded northern England, but Henry’s forces repelled them; limited damage.

25. What treaty was signed between England and Scotland in 1497?

Truce of Ayton, ending military conflict.

26. How did the marriage of Margaret Tudor to James IV in 1503 serve Henry’s long-term aims?

Secured peace with Scotland and laid the foundation for the eventual Union of the Crowns.

27. Why might Henry’s Scottish policy be seen as a long-term success?

Achieved lasting peace, reduced Yorkist support, and strengthened dynastic security.

28. Why was Ireland a particular threat to Henry’s authority?

Strong Yorkist support and semi-independent Anglo-Irish lords could harbor pretenders.

29. Who was the leading noble family in Ireland during Henry’s reign?

The Fitzgeralds, Earls of Kildare.

30. How did the Irish support Lambert Simnel in 1487?

Crowned him “King Edward VI” and provided troops for the Battle of Stoke.

31. What was Poynings’ Law (1494–95) and why was it important?

Made Irish Parliament dependent on the English king’s approval; strengthened Henry’s control.

32. Why did Henry eventually restore the Earl of Kildare to power in 1496?

To stabilize Ireland using local power structures after Warbeck’s threat ended.

33. What were the Navigation Acts and when were they introduced?

Laws (1485–86) to ensure English ships carried English goods, encouraging maritime trade.

34. What were Henry’s aims in encouraging the voyages of John Cabot?

Explore new trade routes, increase wealth, and enhance England’s international prestige.

35. What was achieved by Cabot’s 1497 expedition?

Claimed parts of North America for England, though no permanent colonies were established.

36. Why did Henry’s interest in exploration fade after 1500?

Focused more on security, finance, and domestic stability rather than risky exploration.

37. How did trade policy link to Henry’s desire for security and solvency?

Trade treaties provided income (pensions) and limited foreign support for pretenders.

38. How did Henry use foreign marriages to secure the dynasty?

Married Elizabeth of York; arranged children’s marriages with Spain and Scotland.

39. In what ways did foreign support for pretenders threaten him?

Provided troops, money, and legitimacy for Yorkist claimants.

40. Which foreign powers supported Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck?

Simnel: Margaret of Burgundy; Warbeck: Burgundy, France, Scotland, HRE.

41. How did Henry use diplomacy to neutralize these threats?

Negotiated treaties, trade embargoes, and marriages to isolate supporters.

42. What role did treaties play in removing Yorkist claimants from abroad?

Ended foreign support, e.g., Etaples (France), Intercursus Magnus (Burgundy).