To what extent did Henry VII accomplish his aims in Foreign policy?
During Henry VII’s reign, Europe was seen as the centre of the world;
Henry set out to achieve his aims regarding his foreign policy centring on
England as a largely defensive player in European politics. Henry
understood the emergence of instability from civil war largely setback
England’s influence on Europe and acted accordingly to lay the
foundations of an eventual Empire. John Guy efficiently summarises
Henry’s beliefs regarding England: “he knew in a way his son never
understood that England was not strong enough for continental
adventure, but she was still significant enough not to be ignored by other
powers.”. Henry VII was persistently dedicated to establishing his dynasty
and protecting that dynasty from challengers to the English throne;
pretenders to his throne regularly influenced European politics and
England’s relations with international powers such as Spain. Henry VII was
keen to receive recognition of the Tudor dynasty and protect English
trading interests, along with national security – none of these aims
included establishing English dominance over Europe, as Henry
understood England was still rebuilding.
England’s royal instability had resulted in other powers, such as their
bitter rivals France, becoming far more powerful politically and militarily;
when Henry VII ascended the throne, he was in no position financially or
militarily to revive conquest in France. The recent end of the 100-year war
with France led the two countries to begin a more diplomatic relationship,
which had a profound impact on Henry’s foreign policy as he reevaluated
trade relations with France. The Anglo-French rivalry had historically led to
England seeking allies elsewhere, found in Brittany and Burgundy.
However, Henry VII’s reign had dampened relations with Burgundy as he
had killed Richard III, who was Margaret of Burgundy’s brother. Margaret
of Burgundy was antipathetic towards Henry VII and the French, who had
killed her husband and left her ruling as regent of Burgundy; cooperation
was necessary as Burgundy’s cloth trade with England was essential for
both countries. Regarding France's growing power in Europe, Charles VIII
had been successful in the Italian wars, leading to a counter group with
interests in Italy forming, which consisted of Ferdinand of Aragon, the
Pope and Maximilian I of the Holy Roman Empire. Ferdinand invited Henry
to join the League of Venice in 1496 - perhaps worried that France would
seek out England due to their relaxing relationship. Henry saw this
invitation as an example of acceptance on the European stage, perhaps
signalling a stable era for England was incoming.
During Henry VII’s reign, Europe was seen as the centre of the world;
Henry set out to achieve his aims regarding his foreign policy centring on
England as a largely defensive player in European politics. Henry
understood the emergence of instability from civil war largely setback
England’s influence on Europe and acted accordingly to lay the
foundations of an eventual Empire. John Guy efficiently summarises
Henry’s beliefs regarding England: “he knew in a way his son never
understood that England was not strong enough for continental
adventure, but she was still significant enough not to be ignored by other
powers.”. Henry VII was persistently dedicated to establishing his dynasty
and protecting that dynasty from challengers to the English throne;
pretenders to his throne regularly influenced European politics and
England’s relations with international powers such as Spain. Henry VII was
keen to receive recognition of the Tudor dynasty and protect English
trading interests, along with national security – none of these aims
included establishing English dominance over Europe, as Henry
understood England was still rebuilding.
England’s royal instability had resulted in other powers, such as their
bitter rivals France, becoming far more powerful politically and militarily;
when Henry VII ascended the throne, he was in no position financially or
militarily to revive conquest in France. The recent end of the 100-year war
with France led the two countries to begin a more diplomatic relationship,
which had a profound impact on Henry’s foreign policy as he reevaluated
trade relations with France. The Anglo-French rivalry had historically led to
England seeking allies elsewhere, found in Brittany and Burgundy.
However, Henry VII’s reign had dampened relations with Burgundy as he
had killed Richard III, who was Margaret of Burgundy’s brother. Margaret
of Burgundy was antipathetic towards Henry VII and the French, who had
killed her husband and left her ruling as regent of Burgundy; cooperation
was necessary as Burgundy’s cloth trade with England was essential for
both countries. Regarding France's growing power in Europe, Charles VIII
had been successful in the Italian wars, leading to a counter group with
interests in Italy forming, which consisted of Ferdinand of Aragon, the
Pope and Maximilian I of the Holy Roman Empire. Ferdinand invited Henry
to join the League of Venice in 1496 - perhaps worried that France would
seek out England due to their relaxing relationship. Henry saw this
invitation as an example of acceptance on the European stage, perhaps
signalling a stable era for England was incoming.
