The Tudors: Henry VII - Henry VII's Foreign Policy - Episode 7

Summary

This video explores King Henry VII's foreign policy, focusing on his three main objectives: national security, recognition of the Tudor dynasty, and defense of English trading interests. Henry VII secured truces with potential enemies, fostered relationships with Brittany and France, and navigated complex diplomacy with Spain, leading to the Treaty of Medina del Campo. Despite challenges, including the Breton crisis and issues with Scotland and Ireland, Henry's pragmatic approach ensured enduring positive relationships and the fulfillment of his initial aims, solidifying his rule and protecting English interests.

Takeaways

• 🔒 Henry VII's main foreign policy goals were national security, recognition of the Tudor dynasty, and protecting English trade interests.
• 🤝 To secure his reign, Henry sought support from other European monarchs and forged a series of truces with potential enemies.
• ⚔️ The Breton Crisis marked the only time Henry VII committed troops outside the British Isles, aiming to prevent France from controlling Brittany.
• 💰 Henry funded military interventions with extraordinary revenue from Parliament, which strained relations at home, leading to rebellions.
• 🇪🇸 Henry secured a key alliance with Spain through the Treaty of Medina del Campo, arranging the marriage of his son Arthur to Catherine of Aragon.
• 💔 The marriage alliance with Spain weakened after Arthur's death and complications with Catherine's dowry, leading to diplomatic isolation later in Henry's reign.
• 🇫🇷 Despite some tensions, Henry managed to maintain a generally positive relationship with France, avoiding major conflicts after the Breton Crisis.
• 🏴 Henry improved relations with Scotland through the Treaty of Perpetual Peace and the marriage of his daughter Margaret to James IV.
• 🍀 Henry faced challenges in Ireland, but ultimately secured loyalty by appointing trusted figures like the Earl of Kildare as his deputy.
• 🏦 Trade relations with the Netherlands and Burgundy were critical, and Henry sacrificed trade temporarily to secure his dynasty, later restoring it with the Intercursus Magnus.

Q & A

What were Henry VII's three main aims in his foreign policy?

Henry VII's three main aims in his foreign policy were national security, recognition of the Tudor dynasty, and the defense of English trading interests.

Why was Henry VII concerned about France gaining control over Brittany?

Henry VII was concerned about France gaining control over Brittany because it would weaken England's position by consolidating power along the French coast, making England's southern coastline and Calais more vulnerable to French control.

What was the significance of the Breton Crisis in Henry VII's foreign policy?

The Breton Crisis was significant because it was the only time Henry VII committed troops outside the British Isles. It showed his ability to use diplomacy and military intervention to defend Brittany and maintain a balance of power in the region.

What was the Treaty of Étaples, and why was it considered a success for Henry VII?

The Treaty of Étaples, signed in 1492, was a success for Henry VII because it ensured that France would not support his enemies, including Perkin Warbeck, and it also secured a payment of 745,000 crowns from France in exchange for Henry withdrawing his army from Brittany.

What was the Treaty of Medina del Campo, and how did it affect England and Spain's relationship?

The Treaty of Medina del Campo, signed in 1489, was an agreement between England and Spain that ensured mutual support in case of attack, non-harboring of rebels, and the proposed marriage between Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon. However, issues like Perkin Warbeck and disagreements over Catherine's dowry complicated the relationship.

How did the death of Prince Arthur affect the relationship between England and Spain?

The death of Prince Arthur in 1502 weakened the relationship between England and Spain, as the proposed marriage between Catherine of Aragon and Prince Henry (later Henry VIII) required a papal dispensation, and enthusiasm for the marriage declined, especially after the death of Queen Isabella of Spain.

How did Henry VII manage relations with Scotland, and what was the significance of the Treaty of Perpetual Peace?

Henry VII managed relations with Scotland by initially signing a truce in 1486 and later negotiating the Treaty of Perpetual Peace in 1502, which included the marriage of his daughter, Margaret, to James IV of Scotland. This helped improve relations between the two countries and secure peace.

What challenges did Henry VII face in Ireland, and how did he resolve them?

Henry VII faced challenges in Ireland, particularly from Yorkist sympathizers like the Earl of Kildare. He initially tried to impose direct control through deputies like Sir Edward Poynings but later reinstated Kildare after he became loyal to Henry. This helped Henry maintain a level of control in Ireland by 1500.

How did Henry VII handle the threat posed by Perkin Warbeck, particularly in his relations with Burgundy?

Henry VII handled the threat posed by Perkin Warbeck by prioritizing securing his dynasty over trade. He suspended trade with Burgundy until Warbeck was no longer supported by them, which eventually led to the restoration of trade under the Intercursus Magnus in 1496.

How successful was Henry VII's foreign policy by the end of his reign?

By the end of his reign, Henry VII's foreign policy was largely successful in achieving his aims of securing trade, national security, and the Tudor dynasty. However, England remained a relatively minor power in Europe, as Henry's limited financial resources prevented any significant territorial expansion.