1 what were the aims of henry viis foreign policy

Read the material above and answer these questions:

 

  1. What had been the chief elements of English foreign policy before 1485?

Heir to French throne in 1420 but lost all French land by 1453. French had supported henry vi to avoid Yorkist kings invading France. Edward iv gained a pension from France.

Burgundy was allies with England until 1435. France was a common enemy and they had mutual trade interests. Edward IV restored Burgundian alliance and Burgundy helped Edward reclaim the throne in 1471. The alliance ended when burgundy found out that France was going to invade with the English governments support.

England recognised Scotland's independence in 1328 but there was still tension. English kings sometimes declared overlordship over Scotland but they maintained a French alliance in defence. There was always wars along the border. In the 1460s the Scots sheltered Henry Vi so Edward tried to promote dissension. England recovered of Berwick.

  1. What policies could Henry VII follow that would (a) change or (b) continue the policies of his predecessors?

  2. Can you suggest any factors that might lead to changes in English foreign policy?

  3. Why would foreign policy be a vital issue for Henry VII?

  4. What objectives do you think Henry VII should pursue in his foreign policy?

Country

Evidence it was a threat

Evidence it was not a threat

Overall judgement

Brittany

Support for Brittany would antagonise the French

Had provided henry with refuge in 1471

Minimal threat

France

French antagonised by Brittany, and were biggest army in Europe

Financed henrys 1485 invasion

Significant threat

Scotland

Constant wars at border and French alliance

Not as powerful as England

Nuisance

Spain

Was a strong power and had good international ties

Wasn’t involved with England and may even be future allies

Not a threat

Burgundy/Netherlands

Strong Yorkist ties, Maragret of burgundy, direct threat to henry, importance of cloth trade

N/A

Major threat

Italy

France and Spain were rulers of some states and were powerful

Henry made less vulnerable by the focus shift in the Italian wars 1494

Minor threat

Holy Roman Empire

Large territory in central Europe. Involved in burgundy alliance. could influence balance of power