Henry VII Foreign Policy towards France

Henry relied on the fact that although they may not be allies, the French preferred him to Richard III on the throne.

Early agreements

  • Initially able to negotiate a 1 year truce with France (later extended to 1489), this was because France had supported his seizure of the throne from Richard III in 1485

  • Commercial treaty with Brittany in 1486 - as they had supported his during his exile

Brittany = key to power balance in Europe

  • Absorption of Brittany into France would mean Fr controlled entire channel, problematic for many countries trade

  • If Fr controlled Brittany, would enhance their already very mighty power and strategic capabilities

  • No European power wanted Brittany to be absorbed into any other country

Breton Crisis 1488-92

  • Duke of Brittany didn’t have any male heirs, therefore it’s future depended on who his eldest daughter Anne married

  • All agreed she mustn’t marry French, arranged to marry Maximilian

  • Regent of France proposed Anne marry her brother Chares VIII, sends troops to Brittany to ensure this happens

  • Maximilian sends 1,500 men to counteract this

  • Fernidad sends 1000 men

  • Henry asked by Duke of Brittany to send their troops

Henry had received substantial help from France during latter part of his campaign. Was wary to antagonize them, especially so early on in his reign when England was still so weak (financially and militarily).

  • Henry stalled, Duke of Brittany killed, Anne seized by the French

  • Henry signs the Treaty of Redon in Feb 1489 with Brittany - pledging to send 6000 troops to aid Brittany, only 3000 went

  • Maximilian and Fernidad make peace with the French

  • Brittany surrenders in 1491

Henry left in difficult situation, had now invested his credibility in war with France and raised considerable funds and troops. Would look weak if he pulled out.

Henry’s invasion of France Autumn 1492

  • Henry knew the likelihood of a full scale war with France was slim - their focus and troops were on Italy

  • Made possibility of a Treaty higher

  • Also end of the year so end of campaigning season, French troops = tired and ill

  • Charles offered Henry peace

Treaty of Etaples - November 1492

  • Fr to give no aid to English rebels - particularly Warbeck

  • Fr to give financial compensation for England removing all their troops from Fr soil (except Calais) - £159,000

Henrys European Treaties after Etaples

  • Invited to join Holy league 1496 - aimed to drive France out of Italy (would rather have neutral England then French ally)

  • At same time Henry secured trade agreement w French w/out losing leagues agreement

  • League of Cambria 1508

Henry’s FP to France - Success or Failure?

Avoiding war: Very good, analysed all possibilities and didn’t make snap judgements. Knew war with France unlikely to occur in 1492 and therefore happy to take troops to prove his point.

Gaining Allies: joins forces with France in 1500’s against Ferdinand. Included in many peace treaties - didn’t really gain allies from this or lose France as a trade partner. Fr happy not to support Warbeck - shows they aren’t invested in overthrowing the English throne.

National security: powers all looking towards Italy or Spain. Prudent with money and didn’t provoke any powers. Although Brittany seemed like a major issue, didn’t affect the security of England as much as he feared.

OVERALL: SUCCESS