H8 foreign policy

What were Henry 8ths foreign policy aims?

• Honour+glory

• Secure dynasty through an heir

• Maintain links with Netherlands

• Imperial king

What was Henry’s main aim up until 1527?

Establish himself as a monarch in Europe through military glory and alliances.

What was Henry’s main aim after 1527?

To achieve the Kings Great Matter (break with Rome, Marriage to Anne Boleyn)

When was the First French War?

1512-14

How much did The First French war cost?

£900,000 (almost 9x the amount of his Fathers war against France in 1492)

When was the renewal of The Treaty Of Etaples?

1510, (quickly obliterated by Henry’s First war with them in 1512)

What was the Holy League and why was it a failure?

• An anti-French alliance established before Henry’s First French War with Britain, France and HRE

• Ferdinand of Aragon used Henry’s 10,000 troops as a diversion for his own military pursuits

What were the successes during the First French War?

• 1513- Battle of Spurs, captured town of Tournai and Thérouanne

• Anglo-Scottish conflict, Battle of Flodden 1513. James IV killed, Scotland in a weak position but England to financially depleted to exploit weakness.

When and why was Wolsey relevant in Foreign Policy?

• 1514-26

• Wolsey had to frame foreign policy around the Kings Overestimation of English power and his ambitions.

Consequences of the First French War

• financially depleted, couldn’t exploit Scotlands Weakness

• Has to seek Peace with France as to poor for conflict (Princess Mary and Louis XII marry)

When was the First treaty of Cambrai and why was it significant?

• 1517

• Peace between HRE and France, leaving England diplomatically isolated

• Wolsey had to end isolation through Treaty Of London

What was the treaty of London?

• set up by Wolsey after England was dangerously isolated by treaty of Cambrai

• Made Wolsey “Peacemaker of Europe” and Papal legate (height of Wolseys power)

Why was Wolsey not entirely to be credited for Frances peaceable relations in the Treaty of London?

• France were more motivated to have peace with England out of fear of spains new power of being new king of the HRE