Foreign policy under Wolsey

Successes - marriage alliance

Henry’s marriage to Katherine of Aragon in 1509 helped to create a strong alliance with Spain which was needed for England, especially after the death of Arthur & the original marriage strategy.

Successes - military victories

Henry won military victories at Therouanne, Flodden, Spurs & Tournai which each earned him respect & popularity on a global scale. England gradually became on the same level as Charles (Spain) & Francis (France) for the first time.

Successes - Treaty of London 1518

The Pope called for a crusade to halt the spread of the Ottoman Empire into Europe & Wolsey took it as a chance to put England at the centre of European diplomacy. He called for all major European powers to live under ‘universal peace’ & to make a commitment to avoid war. Over 2 dozen countries signed the peace making treaty.

Successes - Treaty of Windsor 1522

Was an alliance between Henry & Charles V against France & Princess Mary (Henry’s sister) was betrothed to Charles.

Successes - The Field of Cloth of Gold

Henry met Francis & Charles in a display of prestige & power which showcased England as being on the same level as the most powerful European countries.

Successes - The League of Cognac 1526

Was formed against the Holy Roman Empire & Charles V in order to pressure him into being more reasonable - included Henry.

Successes - Treaty of Cambrai 1529

Was signed between Charles, Francis & Henry as a peace treaty & Wolsey’s last attempt to ensure English inclusion in European foreign policy.

Failures - exaggeration of military victories

Henry’s military victories in France and Scotland only had short term benefits & they wiped out England’s money. Tournai & Therouanne were also unimpressive winnings compared to military victories won by Francis at the Battle of Marignano & Charles at the Battle of Pavia - England remained 2nd rate.

Failures - marriage alliance

A marriage alliance was arranged between Princess Mary to marry Louis XIII of France in 1514 but he died shortly after, reducing it’s impact.

Failures - threat of the Holy Roman Empire

The Holy Roman Empire established a treaty with France in 1517 & in 1519 Charles V became the Holy Roman Empire, meaning England faced a threat from countries with great power. In 1525 Charles defeated Francis at the Battle of Pavia & Henry asked him to split France between them but he refused - Henry then signed the Treaty of the More with France.

Failures - irresponsible spending

Henry blew England’s money on unimportant wars which led to tax riots like the Amicable Grant. He achieved little from wars he fought in the 1520s meaning his method of inglorious warfare barely benefitted England & it’s foreign status. A trade embargo with Antwerp also caused economic issues.

Failures - lack of clear plan

Henry’s foreign policy in this era was vacillating as he constantly switched sides between different European powers & this left him with incoherent alliances which didn’t really benefit England - massive contrast to his father.

Whether or not it was actually Henry’s foreign policy

Majority of the measures that were implemented weren’t Henry’s own plans as he was only interested in attaining glory & legacy as a renaissance prince not in making peace or signing treaties. Majority of the aims, execution & direction of the policies were driven by Wolsey - which he may have done for 3 reasons: to promote himself (hopefully to Pope), to show his loyalty to Henry by following his interests over the Papacy’s or to please both (reflects the incoherency).