Foreign Policy 1547-53
Somerset
Background:
- Lord Admiral 1542-3
- Spearheaded attacks against Scots May 1544 and Sept 1545
- Military service in France 1545, 46
- Made Lieutenant of the Kingdom of France 1546
Therefore he would likely find a military solution - if any - to England’s foreign policy issues
Aims:
Scotland - Hoped for marriage between Edward and Mary which had been arranged
under Treaty of Greenwich 1543 and had been stipulated in Henry’s will
- This would lead to political unions of the two crowns
- He also wanted to complete unfinished business of conquering of
Scotland he had started under Henry. (there had been an attack on
Scotland every year since 1541 so he thought he should continue these)
France - Avoid conflict so therefore ignore provocations such as sending troops to
Scotland
Both - Avoid return of trad alliance between Scotland and France
English Victory over Scotland:
- June 1547 Henry II sent fleet of 4000 soldiers to Scotland
- Sept 1547, Somerset launched naval and land invasion of Scotland
- Decisive victory quickly achieved at Battle of Pinkie
- Somerset entered edinburgh and captured main border strongholds
Somerset
Background:
- Lord Admiral 1542-3
- Spearheaded attacks against Scots May 1544 and Sept 1545
- Military service in France 1545, 46
- Made Lieutenant of the Kingdom of France 1546
Therefore he would likely find a military solution - if any - to England’s foreign policy issues
Aims:
Scotland - Hoped for marriage between Edward and Mary which had been arranged
under Treaty of Greenwich 1543 and had been stipulated in Henry’s will
- This would lead to political unions of the two crowns
- He also wanted to complete unfinished business of conquering of
Scotland he had started under Henry. (there had been an attack on
Scotland every year since 1541 so he thought he should continue these)
France - Avoid conflict so therefore ignore provocations such as sending troops to
Scotland
Both - Avoid return of trad alliance between Scotland and France
English Victory over Scotland:
- June 1547 Henry II sent fleet of 4000 soldiers to Scotland
- Sept 1547, Somerset launched naval and land invasion of Scotland
- Decisive victory quickly achieved at Battle of Pinkie
- Somerset entered edinburgh and captured main border strongholds
