henry VII: success and failures

how successful was henry in establishing the tudor dynasty?

- henry firmly established the tudor dynasty.

- he defeated his rivals and pretenders to the throne.

- the fact he stayed in power and passed on the throne to his son is an impressive achievement (first monarch to do so successfully for nearly a century).

what failures did henry have with establishing the tudor dynasty?

- henry failed to establish a sense of stability.

- his position as king was constantly under threat until at least the last three years of his reign. .

- henry never felt dull security- he passed 51 attainders for anyone who knew a de la pole.

overall comment on the establishment of the tudor dynasty?

- establishing the tudor dynasty was one of the most memorable things done in henrys reign, however, there were other things that henry did that were still successful.

how successful was henrys finances?

- henry left the solvent.

- he was the first king to do so in more than a century.

- the crowns finances were more stable and secure, and the methods of collection were more efficient.

what failures did henry have with finances?

- henry failed to innovate or improve upon the financial improvements of his yorkist predecessors.

- the wealth amassed in his final years was by illegal and highly dubious means.

- the efficiency of his tax collecting methods made the king unpopular.

- henry issues fines instead of imprisonment for criminal punishments

overall comment on finances?

- henry could dominate the nobility and allow him to rule independently due to having finance security.

- this further contributed to securing the dynasty.

how successful was henry in controlling over the nobility?

- henry re-established the crowns primacy over the nobility.

- he kept the nobility in check and largely reduced the threat they used by such devices as bonds and recognisances.

- 138 attenders were passed, with only 46 reversed.

- 75% of peerage families were placed under bonds and recognisances.

what failures did henry have with controlling the nobility?

- he bullied the majority of nobility into subjection.

- his harsh methods were resented by many and pushed some into rebellion, e.g. earl of lincoln.

overall comment on henrys control over the nobility?

- henry punished people with fines unjustly and resulted to alienating himself by pushing the nobility away and made his reign venerable.

- the nobility never tried to overthrow henry or start rebellions due to henrys coercion and henry set up 5 new councils which showed census.

how successful was henry with foreign policy?

- he won respect for england abroad and created a stable diplomatic environment.

- the alliance with spain was perhaps his greatest achievement.

what failures did henry have with foreign policy?

- he failed to play a full part in international relations.

- his reliance on spain did little to enhance his dealings with other nations.

- by 1509 england was largely isolated.

overall comment on henrys foreign policy?

- henry tried to marry margaret of savoy and the 'mad' joanna but neither of them wanted him.

- the marriage alliance schemes were only a small part of his foreign policy.

how successful was henry with law and order?

- he re-established respect for the law and restored confidence in the government after the uncertainties of the wars of the roses.

- the sheriff and JP's were important officials enforcing law and order.

what failures did henry have with law and order?

- he failed to reduce the tension that existed between rival noble families.

- he failed to stop rebellions and periodic disorder from breaking out.

- henry struggled to discipline JP's because they were not paid.

overall comment on law and order?

- after the war of the roses there was only two small rebellions. therefore, the problem was not solved but it was improved.

how successful was henry with the economy?

- henry encouraged trade and commerce.

- royal patronage, peace at home and a more stable international situation promoted economic growth

- exported wool was taxed at 70% which boosted english cloth trade.

- the merchant adventurers negotiated good deals for english cloth trade, so much so, that they were granted a royal charter.

- navigation acts 1486 &1489 forbade english goods being loaded on foreign ships if an english one was available.

what failures did henry have with the economy?

- economic advantages were often sacrificed for gains in foreign policy.

- trade embargo in the northlands 1493-6 damaged the english cloth trade.

- english trade was heavily reliant on cloth- no diversity.

overall comment on the economy?

- england had become a richer country under henry. however, compared to other countries english economy was still behind and henry didn't find any new way to bring in economy.