England’s security in Brittany

Why was England a threat to Brittany?

Philips’ financial aid support for Brittany might antagonise France, if France controlled it all the channel coast would be controlled by France

Why was Brittany not a threat?

Duchy of Brittany provided Henry with refuge when he fled to England in 1471

Why was France so dangerous?

Had the largest and most professional army in Europe, financially much stronger

Who were France allied to?

Scotland

Why were France not a threat?

Gave Henry financial aid for invasion in 1485

What was common with Scotland and what did this cause England to do?

Raids across the border, keep expensive military bases in forms of border garrisons

Why were Spain a threat?

Marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castille united kingdom’s and turned them into a new major international power

What were Spain’s priorities proving they weren’t a threat?

Drive Moors (muslims) out of Granada (1492) and secure northern border with France by retaking taken land

Where did Ferdinand want to secure his claim?

Naples

Why was Burgundy a threat to England in terms of Margaret?

She married Duke of Burgundy and offered a base for Yorkisy claimants to the throne and supporters

What was Burgundy important for?

Cloth trade

Who did Maximilian marry?

Margaret of Burgundy

Why was Burgundy not a threat to England?

Power of empire was limited, claims to Italian land caused conflict there

Why was Italy a threat?

Enemies of England had claims and could form larger threats

Why was Italy such a low threat?

Rulers of France, Spain and the empire all had claims to land, so it lead to the breakout of Italian wars in 1494

Why were Italian wars important?

Diverted attention from Northern Europe and made H’s position less vulnerable