Henry VIII and Wolsey 1509-29

What were Henry’s main aims regarding foreign policy from 1509-29

Pursuing glory and strengthening reputation

Maintaining security and wealth through

Later concerned with securing a divorce

Evidence Henry was succesful in his pursuance of glory

In the 1513 expedition to France Henry was able to mobilise army of 30,000. He captured the small town of Therouane, and more impressively, the larger town of Tournai. He was the first English king to capture significant land in France since Henry V at Agincourt,who he hoped to emulate. 🇫🇷

The battle of the spurs was claimed as a great victory because he made the French troops throw down their spears and retreat.🇫🇷

England defeated Scotland in the battle of Flodden at the same time. Much Scottish nobility killed, including king James. 10,000 subjects killed as well. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Treaty of London allowed him to become the arbiter of peace in Christendom, field of cloth of gold allowed him to flaunt his wealth

Evidence that Henry was less succesful in achieving glory

Initial 1512 expedition. England wasn’t helped by Spain, the soldiers ran out of supplies, succumbed to dissentry, became undisciplined and withdrew in months without winning glory. They returned home in embarrassment.

The quick breakdown of peace undermined his image as an arbiter of peace

Overall did not live up to the high bar set by Henry V, though still achieved high levels of glory in early years. Was also able to capitalise and solidify glorious image even after bankruptcy.

Evidence Henry was succesful in maintaining wealth and security

Signed succesful treaties- 1511 holy league with Spain Venice and Switzerland

1514 peace treaty with France, allowed Henry to keep Tournai and increase his French pension

Treaty of London (1518) every European superpower signed an individual treaty with England. England, and the rest of Europe was made safe from France, and would unite together against invasion.

Battle of Flodden neutralised the threat of Scotland because James and much of the nobility were killed as well as 10,000 Scot’s

Evidence Henry was unsuccessful in maintaining English security and wealth

His treaties were often short lived, especially after the breakdown of peace in the 1520s

The treaty of London was quickly undermined by war between France and the HRE in 1521

Henry bankrupted England on multiple occasions, spending 900,000 between 1512-1514 on war, and bankrupting beucase of the field of cloth and gold. This left the country vulnerable. This was especially heinous considering how much his father saved for him

Evidence that Henry was succesful in securing divorce through foreign policy

Treaty of Amiens in 1527 is signed with France in preparation for joint attack with HRE. Would allow him to pry the pope from Charles V control.

Wolsey was able to persuade the pope to send Cardinal Campeggio to England to discuss annulment.

This was impressive considering the circumstances, the pope being kidnapped by Catherine’s nephew, Charles. Furthermore, Henry’s treasury was still empty.

Evidence that Henry was unsuccessful in pursuing divorce using foreign policy

Treaty of Cambrian signed between France and HRE, stopped England from being able to go to war with HRE as they did not have the support of France.

Campeggio repeatedly delayed and confounder Henry, before returning to Rome. Wolsey was removed because of his failure in this regard.

The reasons for Wolseys rise to power

How succesful were Wolseys domestic policies

to what extent was the church in need of reformation

Assess the reasons for the fall or Wolsey