Assess the reasons why Henry VII able to defeat the Yorkist challenge

Introduction

The use of government and its effective response to plots was fundamental for defeating to the Yorkist challenge. Moreover, through government and the growing support for Henry's cause Henry was able to control nobility which was crucial. Also the Yorkist weakness and lack of domestic support limited the Yorkist challenge.

Point 1

Through effective use of government the Yorkist threat was limited domestically and in Europe.

FOR - Through effective use of government the Yorkist threat was limited domestically and in Europe.

European nations harboured Yorkist claimants and gave them foreign support which exacerbated the threat. However, through successful mitigation of foreign interference he was able to limit Yorkist threats. e.g through Treaty of Etáples 1492 , Treaty of Ayton 1497 - Truce of Ayton 1502 , Burgundy trade embargo.

Also through spy network which Henry run through an aspect of central government -> execution of Lord Chamberlain + cut off Warbeck support - landed in Deal 1495 defeated by local militia

De la Pole family imprisoned 51 attainder in 1504 - cut off his power base

AGAINST - Through effective use of government the Yorkist threat was limited domestically and in Europe.

>The Simnel rebellion portrayed Henrys ineffective government response as it started 1486 didn't find out about it until 1487

^2000 mercenaries provided for Simnel not able to prevent foreign support

^Unable to prevent battle - not able to convince that Simnel was pretender & not real Earl of Warwick

IJ - Through effective use of government the Yorkist threat was limited domestically and in Europe.

Henry's government response was initially weak and ineffective.Yet, he learnt from the Simnel rebellion and made it more efficient through his effective spy network translating to greater security and successful mitigation of Yorkist threat for the rest of his reign.

Point 2

Increased support for Henrys cause and control of the nobility aided Henry's defeat of the Yorkists

FOR - support for Henrys cause/ control of the nobility

>Henry limited the Yorkist threat by providing the hope for stability and peace - Simnel rebellion lacked widespread domestic support

>Was fair and willing to forgive Yorkists if they showed loyalty e.g. Earl of Surrey didn't join Simnel rebellion - Henry placed him in the North giving him an opportunity

>37 - Knights of Garter incentive for loyalty

& Bonds and Recognisances

Acts of Attainder passed through parliament 138 Acts of Attainder 46 wholly or partially repealed

AGAINST - support for Henrys cause/ control of the nobility

>Although effective, harsh financial policies caused unrest

>Henry's men held out at Battle of Stoke 1487 until outcome was decided - support from nobility not strong nobles were opportunistic.

IJ - support for Henrys cause/ control of the nobility

Government crucial in passing Attainders to control nobility. Did enjoy some success with the nobility and won some Yorkist support - diluting their threat e.g. Earl of Surrey

reliant on harsh financial policy - nobles opportunistic not necessarily loyal unless forced to be. However, on the whole due to Henry's promise of peace and prosperity Henry did have widespread support - portrayed by Simnel's lack of support despite passing through traditionally Yorkist land.

Point 3

Lack of genuine Yorkist claimants and subsequent reliance on pretenders demonstrated that the Yorkist threat was inherently weak

FOR - Lack of genuine Yorkist claimants and subsequent reliance on pretenders

Death of Richard III at Bosworth, death of princes in the tower, death of Lincoln 1487, De la Pole only persistent threat with strong claim (nephew of Richard III)

Therefore reliance on pretenders which were extremely threatening to Henry and portrayed his weakness, However, crucially there lacked a domestic power base leading to their reliance on foreign support - Simnel ; Warbeck.

Simnel large threat 2000 mercenaries and support from Ireland however lacked domestic support only able to raised 8,000 to henrys 12,000 - reason for defeat

Greatly eroded Henry's authority and was the peak of Henry's insecurity.

Moreover, Warbeck was defeated in a similar way lacked domestic support (limited due to effective govt response)

Defeated by local militia in Deal.

IJ - Lack of genuine Yorkist claimants and subsequent reliance on pretenders

Not as significant as govt response, but lack of Yorkist claimants ameliorated the situation for Henry. However, pretenders could be just as threatening - still able to gather support and force Henry to battle.

- lack of genuine Yorkist claimants not the cause of failure of Yorkists challenge - effective govt response was negated the threat of Yorkists and pretenders alike e.g. Warbeck.

Judgement

govt response fundamental to defeating Yorkists as limited foreign and domestic support. Simnel rebellion only true Yorkist threat due to the lack of effective govt response - Henry learn from this.

Govt response negated threat of pretenders - pretenders still significant

control of nobility cut domestic support.