L6 - foreign policy under edward vi (1547-1553)

what are common topics of exam questions surrounding edward vi’s foreign policy?

• extent of success of foreign policy

• main aims

• can use as factor when assessing mid-tudor crisis

  • will often need to assess change and continuity between monarchs

who are the key 2 leading scottish figures in 1547?

• mary stuart, QoS → only 5 y/o, daughter of james v who died 1542

• mary of guise → mother and regent

what did mary of guise hope for the future of scotland?

wanted scotland to be an independent catholic nation under french influence

who was the leader of france during the reign of edward vi? aims for the future of the country?

• henry ii of france → son of francis who died march 1547

• wanted scotland to be an independent catholic nation under french influence → agreed with mary of guise

what was the situation with scotland in 1547?

• auld alliance more active than ever

• catholic alliance between england’s enemies of scotland and france exacerbated their already vulnerable position under the weak rule of a boy king

• in potential conflict would be attacked on either side

what were somerset’s foreign policy aims 1547-1549?

• secure the marriage of edward and mary → provides dynastic security & potential alliance

• secure an alliance with france → secure their agreement not to intervene in scottish affairs

• ensure english dominance over scotland → prestige and security

how did henry viii’s will affect somerset’s foreign policy 1547-49?

• somerset was partly bound by the terms of henry viii’s will, albeit having been partially altered by denny and reformists

• will set out a policy to secure the marriage of edward vi and mary QoS

  • term of 1543 treaty of greenwich

  • but marriage was not supported by scottish lords or mary of guise

how are somerset’s aims similar or different to those of henry viii?

• all aims are the same as henry’s at face value

• but henry’s foreign policy aims undulate frequently over time

when was the battle of pinkie?

september 1547

how did henry ii’s foreign policy differ to his father’s?

• made king only 2 months into the start of edward’s reign

• followed an absolutely more aggressive approach

• keen to assert power over england

how did henry ii initially pursue foreign relations with england? (first attack)

• renewed the franco-scottish alliance (the auld alliance)

  • further jeopardised already vulnerable position under boy king, possible attack from 2 sides

• sent a fleet of warships and 4000 troops to scotland to fight english

how did somerset respond to henry ii of france sending warships and troops?

• launched a land invasion of scotland

• 22,000 men

• 30 warships

• 50 supply ships

  • unnecessary escalation and extreme large-scale overreaction in attempt to counter invasion

  • returns henry ii’s incredibly aggressive foreign policy rather than finding diplomatic solution

how did the battle of pinkie end?

• scottish army defeated just south of edinburgh → poorly equipped

what did somerset do in an attempt to capitalise on victory at battle of pinkie?

• now controlled the border region of scotland

• attempted to establish english forts and garrisons → unable to make further gains, so maintained position

  • defensive measures to protect border, but only secure in theory

• massive symbolic victory for somerset, strengthening england’s position

what was the problem with somerset’s strategy following the battle of pinkie?

• expensive! → garrisons were costly burden to maintain

  • put pressure on already insolvent crown

• english failed to control strategically important castles

  • e.g. edinburgh or firth of forth

• french ships were still able to supply scottish army → undermined supposed safety

what action did henry ii take following the battle of pinkie?

• henry ii arranged for mary QoS to be placed on french ship and removed to safety of france

• she lived at french court for next 13 years and married the french dauphin, francis

how much did somerset’s policy at the battle of pinkie cost?

£600,000