Henry VII's consolidation of power in the years 1486

Introduction

1. Initially, not very popular due to route to the throne

2. Usurped the throne, weakness in advisors, committed infanticide, regicide, etc.

3. Ultimately, popularity grew due to personal strengths

Agree

1. Battle of Bosworth - took power, promised titles, gained local support (3000 Welsh)

2. Defeating rebels - Battle of Stoke Field, key to preventing the house of York from taking back power (more of a skirmish than battle)

3. Control of finances - image was key (court and jewelry), viewed as a miser, image of wealth due to propaganda

4. Made key decisions within his chambers (star chamber, council-learned-in-the-law) - made key decisions with people he trusted

5. Predated his reign to before Bosworth to charge opposition with treason (Acts of Attainder - 138, 46 reversed)

6. Coronation before Parliament met marriage to Elizabeth of York (Rennes, Xmas day)

Disagree

1. Angle with FP - engaged only when necessary, built support, avoided conflict, helped by the links he already had (e.g., Brittany)

2. Lack of popular support for rebels and Yorkists

3. Lack of opposition

Conclusion

Provide balanced argument