England’s relations with foreign powers, 1558-64

Elizabeth I’s Background and Accession

What challenges did Elizabeth inherit in 1558?

Elizabeth inherited a kingdom facing a Mid-Tudor crisis characterised by financial debt high mortality from epidemics and an ongoing war with France that had resulted in the loss of Calais

The Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis 1559

What was Elizabeth’s immediate foreign policy priority on accession?

Elizabeth’s immediate foreign policy priority was to release England from the ruinous war with France

What was the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis?

The Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis was signed in April 1559 and marked the end of the long struggle between France and Spain for control over Italy

What did the treaty mean for England?

For England the treaty ended the war with France but failed to recover Calais immediately

What happened to Calais under the treaty?

The French were to retain Calais for eight years after which it was supposed to be returned or paid for

Why was the treaty important for Elizabeth?

The treaty removed the immediate threat of a French invasion and gave Elizabeth political breathing space to establish her Religious Settlement

Relations with Scotland 1547–1558 Background

What was the rough wooing?

The rough wooing was a policy under Edward VI and Somerset that aimed to enforce the Treaty of Greenwich by marrying Edward VI to Mary Queen of Scots

What was the Treaty of Greenwich 1543?

The Treaty of Greenwich planned the marriage of Edward VI to Mary Queen of Scots

What happened at the Battle of Pinkie 1547?

Somerset won a major victory at the Battle of Pinkie and established expensive English garrisons in the Scottish lowlands

Why did Somerset’s policy fail?

The policy failed when the Scots sent Mary Queen of Scots to France to marry the Dauphin Francis

How did Mary I’s foreign policy affect Scotland?

Mary I’s marriage to Philip II of Spain dragged England into war with France and Scotland

What was the result of the war in 1557–1558?

The war resulted in the loss of Calais in 1558

Elizabethan Intervention and the Treaty of Edinburgh 1559–1563

Why did relations with Scotland become a crisis?

Relations became a crisis because Mary Queen of Scots claimed the English throne and used the royal arms of England

Who were the Lords of the Congregation?

The Lords of the Congregation were a Protestant noble faction who rebelled against the Catholic regent Mary of Guise in 1559

Why did Cecil push for intervention?

Cecil argued that supporting Scottish Protestants was necessary to remove the French threat and protect English security

What did Elizabeth do in December 1559?

Elizabeth sent a fleet to the Firth of Forth to block French reinforcements

What was the Treaty of Berwick 1560?

The Treaty of Berwick was an agreement to support the Scottish Protestants

What happened at Leith in 1560?

An English army besieged Leith but the siege failed and Mary of Guise died and storms damaged the French fleet

What was the Treaty of Edinburgh 1560?

The Treaty of Edinburgh required all French and English troops to withdraw from Scotland

What was the situation by 1563?

By 1563 the situation had stabilised

What happened to Mary Queen of Scots in 1560?

After the death of her husband Francis II Mary returned to Scotland and accepted Protestant control

What was the Treaty of Troyes 1564?

The Treaty of Troyes ended hostilities with France and confirmed the permanent loss of Calais

Relations with France 1547–1558 Background

How did France exploit England under Edward VI?

France supported Scotland and prevented the marriage of Edward VI and Mary Queen of Scots

What happened to Boulogne in 1550?

England returned Boulogne to France for 400000 crowns

What was the Treaty of Angers 1551?

The Treaty of Angers arranged a marriage between Edward VI and a French princess

How did Mary I affect relations with France?

Mary’s marriage to Philip II made France hostile and led to war

What happened in 1557–1558?

England joined Spain against France and lost Calais in 1558

Why was the loss of Calais important?

The loss of Calais was a huge blow to national pride and Mary’s reputation

Elizabeth I and the Settlement 1559–1563

Why did Elizabeth prioritise peace?

Elizabeth prioritised peace because England was in debt and at war and she needed stability to secure her rule

How did relations worsen in 1559?

Relations worsened when Francis II and Mary Queen of Scots used the English royal arms

Why did Elizabeth support Scottish Protestants?

Elizabeth supported them to reduce French influence in Scotland

What happened in France in 1562?

Civil war broke out between Catholics and Huguenots

What was the Treaty of Hampton Court?

The Treaty of Hampton Court sent 6000 troops and £30000 to support the Huguenots in return for Le Havre

Why did Elizabeth want Le Havre?

Elizabeth hoped to use Le Havre to help recover Calais

Why was the intervention a disaster?

The Huguenots were defeated and both French sides expelled the English from Le Havre in 1563

What was the final outcome in 1564?

The Treaty of Troyes confirmed the permanent loss of Calais

What impact did this have on Elizabeth?

The failure damaged Elizabeth’s prestige and made her more cautious about future foreign wars