Y13 Tudors Revision

Essay Skills

3. How successful was Henry VII’s foreign

policy?
 Tudors Topics
• Henry VII at home
• Henry VII foreign policy
• Henry VIII 1509-29
• Henry VIII 1529-47
• Stability of the Monarchy 1547-58
• Religious reform 1547-58
• Rebellion and Unrest 1547-58
 I am going to show you a Tudors essay
question, you have 2 minutes to write
down…
• What this question is asking you to do
• Your argument
• Your 3 or 4 factors
• Which factor best supports your argument (and therefore you would
start with this one, unless you gave been given a factor in the question)
• What order would you do the other factors
• If you have time… any particular evidence that you should mention in
your response
Assess the aims of Henry VII’s foreign policy. 
• Your argument
• Your 3 or 4 factors
• Which factor best supports your argument (and therefore you would
start with this one, unless you gave been given a factor in the
question)
• What order would you do the other factors
• If you have time… any particular evidence that you should mention in
your response
 Assess the aims of Henry VII’s foreign policy  
This question requires you to explain Henry’s foreign policy aims and weigh up which one was the most important. The best responses will use the ‘Yes,
but, so’ structure to make judgements throughout, considering which aim was the most important aim and why, is this factor linked to any other and
how, and which factor(s) were less important and why? Did the importance of his aims change over time? 

Aim  Why did Henry have this aim?  Evidence to demonstrate that this was an important aim  Any limitations to the
importance of this aim? 
National Security by England was not  a major power in 1485. Henry immediately made early truces with Scotland in 1486 and France in 1485 who had He invaded France in
avoiding war and It had lost the Hundred Years War with the auld alliance, even though Scotland had taken Dunbar.  1492 with 26,000 men,
gaining allies  France in the 1450s and it did not have a He followed a policy of diplomacy, when securing lots of alliances with Spain (Medina del due to the Breton Crisis. 
standing army.   Campo), the Treaty of Etaples with France. Magnus and Malus intercursus mean that Close to invading
Henry has no money so can’t afford Burgundy drop support for Warbeck and Edmund de la Pole. Treaty of Ayton with Scotland in 1497 after
war. Also as a usurper with a weak claim, Scotland.   they were supporting
wanted to avoid war.  He stops trading with Burgundy from 1493 to 1496 because they were supporting Warbeck 
Threat of invasion from France and Warbeck.   
Scotland due to the auld alliance. When he does go to war with France and almost with Scotland, this is for national security  
Meanwhile Yorkists supported by reasons. 
Margaret of Burgundy.  
Securing dynasty with As a usurper and with a weak claim, HVII Organises marriages of Arthur to Catherine and Margaret to James IV. Lots of effort to Delayed marriage
marriage agreements  looked for recognition from other powers marry Mary to Charles, and Henry to Catherine and others.   of Prince Henry to
and to secure his dynasty hoped to marry Catherine. 
his children off to key families in
Europe. The Yorkist challenge meanwhile
was actively challenged by Margaret of
Burgundy. 
Trade  Strong finances were important if HVII Most treaties have an element of trade to them.  Trade embargo with
was to secure the throne and raise an Medina del Campo (Navigation Acts), Magnus and Malus intercursus provide favourable Burgundy 1493-1496 as
army if needed. The treasury is empty trading terms with Burgundy.  they were supporting
when Henry comes to the throne. Custom Trade agreements were signed with other countries including Brittany, Florence and Warbeck and when the
duties were an important part of ordinary Portugal.  Hanseatic League
revenue.  support Edmund de la
Pole. 
 How successful was Henry VII’s foreign policy?

• Your argument
• Your 3 or 4 factors
• Which factor best supports your argument (and therefore you would
start with this one, unless you gave been given a factor in the
question)
• What order would you do the other factors
• If you have time… any particular evidence that you should mention in
your response
 How successful was Henry VII’s foreign policy?
This question requires you to consider how successful Henry was in his foreign policy. You will need to be clear on what he was trying to achieve. Factors could be aims, as
below, or countries or time periods. Were some aims more important than others? If so how does this affect your judgement if he was less successful in an aim that wasn’t
as important. The best responses will use the ‘Yes, but, so’ structure to make judgements throughout, consider where Henry saw most success, is this factor linked to any
other and how, and which factor(s) were less important and why?  
Factor  What did Henry do?  Successes Failures
National Security Henry immediately made early truces with Scotland in 1486 and France in 1485 who England was not  a major power in 1485. He invaded France in 1492 with 26,000 men,
by avoiding war had the auld alliance, even though Scotland had taken Dunbar.  It had lost the Hundred Years War with due to the Breton Crisis. 
and gaining He followed a policy of diplomacy, when securing lots of alliances with Spain (Medina France in the 1450s and it did not have a Close to invading Scotland in 1497 after they
allies  del Campo), the Treaty of Etaples with France. Magnus and Malus intercursus mean standing army.   were supporting Warbeck. 
that Burgundy drop support for Warbeck and Edmund de la Pole. Treaty of Ayton Henry has no money so can’t afford Stops trading with Burgundy.
with Scotland.   war. Also as a usurper with a weak claim, Henry isolated at the end after backing Philip
He stops trading with Burgundy from 1493 to 1496 because they were supporting wanted to avoid war.  during Castilian Crisis.
Warbeck.  Threat of invasion from France and League of Camrai in 1508.
When he does go to war with France and almost with Scotland, this is for national Scotland due to the auld alliance.  
security reasons.  Meanwhile Yorkists supported by
  Margaret of Burgundy. 
 

Getting Organises marriages of Arthur to Catherine and Margaret to James IV. Lots of effort As a usurper and with a weak claim, HVII Delayed marriage of Prince Henry to Catherine,
recognition and to marry Mary to Charles, and Henry to Catherine and others.  looked for recognition from other powers after Arthur’s death and Castilian crisis.
securing dynasty    and to secure his dynasty hoped to marry Lots of marriages do not happen.
his children off to key families in Europe. Burgundy keep on backing pretenders.
The Yorkist challenge meanwhile was  
actively challenged by Margaret of
Burgundy. 
 

Trade and Most treaties have an element of trade to them.  Strong finances were important if HVII Trade embargo with Burgundy 1493-1496 as
improving Medina del Campo (Navigation Acts), Magnus and Malus intercursus provide was to secure the throne and raise an they were supporting Warbeck and when the
finances  favourable trading terms with Burgundy.  army if needed. The treasury is empty Hanseatic League support Edmund de la Pole. 
Trade agreements were signed with other countries including Brittany, Florence and when Henry comes to the throne. Custom Does not make as much as Edward IV
Portugal.  duties were an important part of ordinary (£70,000). 
  revenue. Goes from £33,000 to £40,000 a Malus Intercursus trade terms rejected. 
year.  England’s share of cloth trade with Burgundy
French pension leads to £5,000 a year.  stays the same throughout the period. 
 How successful was Henry VII’s foreign policy
towards France and Scotland?    
• Your argument
• Your 3 or 4 factors
• Which factor best supports your argument (and therefore you would
start with this one, unless you gave been given a factor in the
question)
• What order would you do the other factors
• If you have time… any particular evidence that you should mention in
your response
 How successful was Henry VII’s foreign policy towards France and Scotland?    
This question
This requires
question you to consider
requires you tohow successful
consider theHenry was in his foreign
different ways policy
Henry withto
tried France and Scotland.
manage You willconsidering
the nobility, need to be clear on success
the what he was oftrying
eachtoand
achieve
then
with these two countries (remembering their were linked by the auld alliance). Factors could be aims, or time periods (as below). Were some aims more important than
overall.  
others? If so how does this affect your judgement if he was less successful in an aim that wasn’t as important. The best responses will use the ‘Yes, but, so’ structure to make
judgements throughout, consider where Henry saw most success, is this factor linked to any other and how, and which factor(s) were less important and why?  Was Henry
then more successful with France than Scotland or vice versa? 

Factor  What did Henry do?  Successes Failure

1485-92  One year truce with France Breton crisis means this truce with France does not last. Henry broke his aim of avoiding war, and at a great cost invades
(1485)  Henry reluctantly goes to war with France in 1492 which France which was risky, and causes Yorkshire Rebellion (1489). 
Three year truce with Scotland leads to the very beneficial Treaty of Etaples.  After James III’s death, James IV takes over and has a very anti
(1486)   But the early truces give Henry some time to strengthen English regency council so relations with Scotland not good. 
his control over England (eventhough he has
to sacrifice Dunbar to the Scots) 
1493- Signs up to the Holy League (anti- Henry had alliances with France’s enemies, but still Henry had come very close to war with Scotland after Warbeck
1501  French alliance) in 1496  remained on good terms with the France and signed up had invaded with Scottish support. In getting money to go to war
After Warbeck is supported by a commercial trade treaty.  this led to the serious Cornish rebellion of 1497. 
Scotland Henry plans an Leads to Treaty of Ayton, and Scotland drop support for
invasion.  Warbeck. First peace treaty in nearly 170 years. 
1502- As Henry’s relations with Spain Shows relations with France had massively improved.  England was isolated at the end of Henry’s reign, even though the
1509  deteriorate due to the Castilian   League of Cambrai was not anti-English. 
crisis and Henry backing the Led to marriage between James IV and Margaret.   
Habsburgs instead of Ferdinand, Despite the marriage of Margaret to James IV, border raids
Henry proposes an anti-Spanish continued, the Auld Alliance was still in place and James IV was
alliance with the French in 1508 building up his navy. 
(league of Cambrai). 
Treaty of Perpectual Peace with
Scotland 
‘Henry VII was more successful in his relations with Scotland and
France than Spain’. How far do you agree?  

• Your argument
• Your 3 or 4 factors
• Which factor best supports your argument (and therefore you would
start with this one, unless you gave been given a factor in the
question)
• What order would you do the other factors
• If you have time… any particular evidence that you should mention in
your response
 ‘Henry VII was more successful in his relations with Scotland and France than Spain’.
How far do you agree?  
This This question
question requires requires you whether
you to consider to consider
Henry the different ways
was more Henry
successful with tried
Scotland andtoFrance
manage the nobility,
than Spain. considering
You will need to be clear the success
on what he wasof each
trying and then
to achieve
with overall. In order to(remembering
these three countries clearly argue where
France Henry were
and Scotland sawlinked
success
by theand
auldfailure,
alliance).you need
Factors criteria
could be aims,for success
or time and
periods that would
(as below). be his
Were some aims. 
aims more  
important than others? If so how does this affect your judgement if he was less successful in an aim that wasn’t as important. The best responses will use the ‘Yes, but, so’
structure to make judgements throughout, consider where Henry saw most success, is this factor linked to any other and how, and which factor(s) were less important and
why? 
Factor  What did Henry do?  Scotland and France more successful Spain more successful

1485- One year truce with France (1485), Breton crisis means this truce with France does not last. Henry Henry broke his aim of avoiding war, and at a great cost invades
92   but then Henry goes to war with reluctantly goes to war with France in 1492 which leads to the very France which was risky, and causes Yorkshire Rebellion (1489). 
France.  beneficial Treaty of Etaples.  After James III’s death, James IV takes over and has a very anti
Three year truce with Scotland But the early truces give Henry some time to strengthen his control English regency council so relations with Scotland not good. 
(1486)  over England (even though he has to sacrifice Dunbar to the Scots) 
Treaty of Medina del Campo with . Proposed marriage of Arthur to Catherine of Aragon, Spain and
Spain  Ferdinand lets Henry down making a separate peace with the England agree to go to war and also agree trading terms (helps
French and don’t go to war  lead to an increase in custom duties from £33,000 to £40,000).
Spain also drop support for pretenders
 

1493- Signs up to the Holy League (anti- Although he signed into the Holy League still remained on good Henry signed into the Holy League, an ant-France alliance in 1496
1501  French alliance) in 1496, with terms with the France and signed up a commercial trade treaty. 
Spanish.  Leads to Treaty of Ayton, and Scotland drop support for Warbeck. Henry had come very close to war with Scotland after Warbeck
After Warbeck is supported by First peace treaty in nearly 170 years.  had invaded with Scottish support. In getting money to go to war
Scotland Henry plans an invasion.  this led to the serious Cornish rebellion of 1497. 
 
1502- As Henry’s relations with Spain League of Cambrai proposed as an anti- Spanish alliance, showing  Despite the marriage of Margaret to James IV, border raids
1509  deteriorate due to the Castilian crisis relations with France had massively improved. England was continued, the Auld Alliance was still in place and James IV was
and Henry backing the Habsburgs isolated at the end of Henry’s reign, even though the League of building up his navy. 
instead of Ferdinand, Henry proposes Cambrai was not anti-English. 
an anti-Spanish alliance with the   Prince Henry did marry Catherine of Aragon in the end.
French in 1508 (league of With Scotland there was marriage between James IV and
Cambrai). Treaty of Perpectual Peace Margaret. 
with Scotland 
‘ ‘Henry VII’s greatest foreign policy achievement was the alliance with Spain’.
How far do you agree with this view?  

• Your argument
• Your 3 or 4 factors
• Which factor best supports your argument (and therefore you would
start with this one, unless you gave been given a factor in the
question)
• What order would you do the other factors
• If you have time… any particular evidence that you should mention in
your response
 ‘Henry VII’s greatest foreign policy achievement was the alliance with Spain’.
How far do you agree with this view?  
This question requires you to consider whether HVII’s great foreign achievement was the alliance with Spain or was it something else.  So you will need to consider
why it could be argued that the quote is correct, why it isn’t, before considering other achievements, closely considering what Henry’s aims  actually were.  The
best responses will use the ‘Yes, but, so’ structure to make judgements throughout, considering why the alliance with Spain was/was not Henry’s greatest
achievement, is this factor linked to any other and how, and which achievement(s) were more/less important and why?  
 

Achieveme What was this?  Yes it was a great achievement  Not it was not a great achievement 
nt 

Alliance Medina del Campo (1489). Arthur and Catherine
with Spain  were to marry. England were to receive a dowry
of £40,000. Spain would not help English rebels.
Trade was to be improved. Each would help the
other in a war against France.  of the Navigation Acts.  improved. By 1508 Henry moved towards an anti- Spanish alliance (League of
Treaty After Henry invaded France late in the
of Etaples  campaigning season in 1492, the French agree to
the Treaty. France would not aid rebels like
Warbeck. France would pay a pension of £5,000 a
year and expenses. England would remove
soldiers from French soil and drop claim to the
throne.  
Gave Henry recognition from a major power and signified that Arthur died in 1502. After the death of Isabella in 1504 and the Castilian crisis
they considered him secure on the throne. The which lasted until 1506, Henry moved towards a Burgundian alliance. The
marriage actually took place. This happened in marriage of Henry Tudor to Catherine had less appeal after the crisis, and at the
1501. Also custom duties go up to £40,000 per year as a result same time HVII delayed the marriage, relations between France and Ferdinand
Cambrai). In terms of trade, Spain don’t allow England to trade with the New
World. 
National Security was strengthened.  HVII had to accept that Brittany had now been incorporated into France. They
Financially £5,000 a year was very helpful. Henry also looked also join the anti-French Holy League in 1496, although they privately say to the
strong to his subjects.  French that they will not invade. 
Auld Alliance still very much in place. 
 

Truce of Treaty with Scotland in 1497. It led to the Treaty
Ayton  of Perpetual Peace where Margaret married
James IV in 1503.  rest of Henry’s reign. First peace agreement between England
Magnus/  Trade deals with Burgundy. The
Malus inter Magnus Intercursus (1496) led to Burgundy
cursus  dropping support for Warbeck and ended the
trade embargo in place between 1493 and 1496.
The Malus Intercurus (1506) led to Edmund de la
Pole being handed over in return for support for
Philip. Marriages were also going to be explored. 
National Security was strengthened as Scotland dropped Border raids continued, James IV continued to build his navy, and the Auld
support for Warbeck. It helped prevent full-scale war for the Alliance was still in place. 
and Scotland since 1328. 
Magnus Intercursus meant England could trade freely with Trading terms at Malus Intercursus are not followed as they are so beneficial to
Burgundy, except in Flanders, after the 3 year embargo.  the English. 
Malus Intercursus meant England could trade with all areas of Marriages proposed including Charles to marry Mary Tudor don’t happen. 
Burgundy for free. 
Warbeck and Edmund de la Pole lose support. 
 To what extent was Henry VII able to improve English overseas
trade?  
• Your argument
• Your 3 or 4 factors
• Which factor best supports your argument (and therefore you would
start with this one, unless you gave been given a factor in the
question)
• What order would you do the other factors
• If you have time… any particular evidence that you should mention in
your response
  To what extent was Henry VII able to improve English overseas trade?  
This question requires you to consider whether HVII improve trade or not. You will need to consider why this was an important aim.
You could then look at countries for your factors, following YBS, showing the successes and failures of policy, coming to judgements throughout and overall. Was Henry more
Successful with some countries than others, and overall did he improve trade or not? You could come to a judgement that says he was not overly successful but this was a secondary
aim anyway demonstrated by trade embargos.

Factor  What did Henry do?  Improvements Limitations

Burgundy  The main focus of English trade was with The Magnus Intercursus (1496) ended the trade embargo of 1493-96 For 3 years no trade between England and Burgundy. Although trade
Burgundy because of the importance of the when Burgundy were supporting Perkin Warbeck. It allowed English increased, England’s share of the cloth trade remained the same
cloth trade through Antwerp. Henry wanted to merchants to sell their goods anywhere in Philip’s lands except throughout. 
increase the amount of trade.  Flanders, without paying tolls or customs.  Because the Malus Intercursus was so favourable to the English, this
Magnus and Malus Intercursus  The Malus Intercursus (1506), after Philip seeked shelter from annoyed Burgundy so much that in 1507 the Magnus Intercursus was
England, gave English merchants considerable advantages. Trade restored. 
with Burgundy would be free. Philip was not able to impose any
duties on the sale of English cloth. Philip was not able to exclude
English cloth from his lands. Philip’s subjects had to pay the duties
outlined in the Magnus Intercursus. 
Spain  Henry had initially confirmed the Spanish As a result of the Medina del Campo both countries had the same Custom duties were £70,000 during Edward IV’s reign. 
privilege of exemption from duties payable by rights in each other’s countries, and duties were fixed at a low rate.   Spain also did not give England access to the New World, although
other foreigners on the import of English Custom duties went from £33,000 a year to £40,000 by the end.  English trade did develop in the Mediterranean, in part because of the
goods. However he then imposed the Italian Wars. 
Navigation Acts in 1485-6, which limited foreign
control of English trade. Spain retaliated and
forbade the export of goods from Spain in
foreign ships. 
The Treaty of Medina del Campo resolved the
problems. 
Other Made trade agreements with other countries.   An earlier trade treaty with Portugal was renewed. A commercial After Antwerp, the Baltic was probably England’s most important trading
agreements  treaty with Brittany was signed in 1486. A trade agreement was area. The trade was dominated by the Hanseatic League and Henry failed
reached with Florence in 1490 and an English staple was established at attempting to limit their priviledges through the Navigation Acts. Henry
at Pisa.  also tried to improve the position of English merchants there by signing
treaties with Denmark and Norway in 1489 and 1490, and then Riga in
1499. But again failed because Henry was worried that they might
support Yorkist claimants, suggesting that once again dynastic security
was his major concern. 
‘The achievements of Henry VII’s marriage agreements were limited’. How far do
you agree? 

• Your argument
• Your 3 or 4 factors
• Which factor best supports your argument (and therefore you would
start with this one, unless you gave been given a factor in the
question)
• What order would you do the other factors
• If you have time… any particular evidence that you should mention in
your response
 ‘The achievements of Henry VII’s marriage agreements were limited’. How far do you agree? 
This question requires you to consider whether Henry’s marriage agreements were limited or were they more successful than this? You will need to consider why this was an important aim.
You could then look at countries for your factors, following YBS, showing the successes and failures of policy, coming to judgements throughout and overall. Was Henry more
Successful with some countries than others, and overall did this help him or not?
 
Factor  What did Henry do?  Achievements Limitations
Spain  Marriage agreement signed in 1489. This Marriage agreements played a crucial role in Henry’s foreign policy. They The success was short-lived because Arthur died in
was important for Henry as Arthur was his helped gain financial recognition for the Tudors and they also provided allies, 1502. The value of the marriage was made even
eldest son, and he was proposed to marry further strengthening their position and helping to provide dynastic clearer when, only 5 months later, Henry suggested
Catherine of Aragon, which gave the security.  that Catherine should marry his second son, Henry,
Tudors recognition from a major The importance of the marriage alliance with Spain was reinforced by although this did happen until Henry became king. 
European power.  Henry’s decision to celebrate it by minting a new gold sovereign on which he
  was portrayed wearing an imperial crow, suggesting he considered This is because after the death of Isabella in 1504 and
his position was more secure. However the marriage agreement was not the Castilian crisis which lasted until 1506, Henry
signed until 1496, and Catherine did not come to England until 1501 because moved towards a Burgundian alliance. The marriage of
of the Warbeck threat.  Henry Tudor to Catherine had less appeal after the
Henry also hoped to use the marriage to gain access to the new Spanish crisis, and at the same time HVII delayed the marriage,
empire; and because Catherine’s sister, Joanna, had married Philip of relations between France and Ferdinand improved. By
Burgundy, he also hoped to use the marriage to bring an alliance with 1508 Henry moved towards an anti- Spanish alliance
Burgundy.  (League of Cambrai) 
Scotland  Marriage agreement with Margaret and Following Scottish support for Warbeck, James IV feared that the English But despite the marriage agreement the Auld Alliance was
James IV in Treaty of Perpectual Peace  might attack Scotland and therefore when Henry offered terms on which a still in place, border raids continued, and James IV was
  treaty could be based, they were accepted.  building up his navy. The Scottish border therefore was not
The marriage brought Henry recognition from another European state and secure at the end of Henry VII’s reign. 
reinforced his position on the throne. 
Failed marriage Towards the end of his reign Henry The fact that they were contemplating marriage agreements meant Henry None of these agreements actually led to marriages.  
agreements  attempted a number of other marriage was on fairly good terms with the countries which met his more important
agreements. With the death of his wife in aims of national security and avoiding war. 
1503, Henry considered the importance of
remarrying. Marriage to Joanna of Naples,
Margaret of Savoy and Joanna of Castile
were attempted.  
Mary, Henry’s second daughter, was
proposed to Charles of Burgundy. 
 Assess the reasons why the Treaty of Medina del
Campo was so important to Henry VII.    
• Your argument
• Your 3 or 4 factors
• Which factor best supports your argument (and therefore you would
start with this one, unless you gave been given a factor in the
question)
• What order would you do the other factors
• If you have time… any particular evidence that you should mention in
your response
 Assess the reasons why the Treaty of Medina del Campo was so important to Henry VII.   
This question requires you to consider the different reasons why this treaty was important and come to an overall judgement about which reason was the most important. You
could follow aims as factors, following YBS for each to explain why each was important and also why it wasn’t to come to judgements throughout. Are there links between
factors?

Factor  What was agreed?  Important Not so important

National Each would help the other in war against France with the Breton Henry was given support with the However Ferdinand made a separate deal with the French so
Security by Crisis  concern about France gaining did not go to war, 
avoiding war Spain would not help English rebels. Brittany. This would be a national
and gaining security problem as France would
allies  have had control of the English
channel. 
Getting Arthur and Catherine of Aragon were to marry. Gave Henry recognition from a major After Isabella’s death in 1504 and the subsequent succession
recognition power and signify they considered crisis which lasted until 1506, Henry moved towards an
and securing him secure on the throne. Remember alliance with the Habsburgs. After Arthur’s death Prince
dynasty   Henry was a usurper with a weak Henry had been proposed to Catherine, but this now had
claim to the throne.  less appeal. Improved relations with France and Spain mean
that Spain did not need English friendship. 
When Philip’s death led to Castile being taken by Ferdinand,
the Spanish marriage became attractive again, but Ferdinand
did not agree to this and by 1508 Henry had abandoned
Spain and moved towards an anti-Spanish alliance. 
Trade and im Henry had initially confirmed the Spanish privilege of exemption As a result of the Medina del Campo Custom duties were £70,000 during Edward IV’s reign. 
proving finan from duties payable by other foreigners on the import of English both countries had the same rights in Spain also did not give England access to the New World,
ces  goods. However he then imposed the Navigation Acts in 1485-6, each other’s countries, and duties although English trade did develop in the Mediterranean, in
which limited foreign control of English trade. Spain retaliated were fixed at a low rate. Custom part because of the Italian Wars. 
and forbade the export of goods from Spain in foreign ships.  duties went from £33,000 a year to
The Treaty of Medina del Campo resolved the problems.  £40,000 by the end. 
Catherine’s dowry was £40,000 to paid in instalments.