Henry VII's Foreign Policy

• Henry VII's foreign policy aimed to secure his dynasty, promote English trade, and avoid costly wars
• He achieved these aims mainly through diplomacy, strategic alliances, and cautious agreements
• Henry VII inherited several foreign policy challenges, including England's diminished international standing after the Wars of the Roses and the need to secure his newly established Tudor dynasty
• His primary goals were to maintain peace, avoid expensive wars, and foster trade

Securing the Dynasty

• Henry focused heavily on securing recognition and legitimacy for his dynasty
• Marriage alliances were a cornerstone of his strategy
• In 1503, he married his daughter Margaret to James IV of Scotland, which eventually led to the Union of the Crowns in 1603
• He also arranged the marriage of his son Arthur to Catherine of Aragon, the daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, in 1501
• After Arthur's death in 1502, Henry negotiated for Catherine to marry his second son, Henry (later Henry VIII), to maintain the alliance with Spain, highlighting the importance of this connection for England's international standing
• Henry aimed to neutralise potential threats from pretenders to the throne, often supported by foreign powers
• He was concerned about the support that Margaret of Burgundy, the sister of Richard III, provided to Perkin Warbeck, a pretender to the English throne
• Henry worked diplomatically to undermine this support

Diplomacy and Treaties

• Henry VII was adept at using diplomacy to achieve his foreign policy objectives
• He negotiated several key treaties that enhanced England's security and trade
• The Treaty of Etaples with France in 1492 secured French recognition of Henry's kingship and a pension for England
• The Intercursus Magnus in 1496 was a significant trade agreement with Burgundy that restored normal trade relations and reduced support for English rebels
• The Treaty of Windsor in 1506 with Philip of Burgundy further strengthened Anglo-Burgundian relations

Relations with France

• Henry VII's relationship with France was complex
• Initially, he sought to avoid direct conflict and maintain peace due to England's financial constraints
• He briefly invaded France in 1492, but quickly concluded the Treaty of Etaples, demonstrating his preference for diplomacy over prolonged warfare
• The treaty provided Henry with much-needed revenue and ensured that France would not support any potential claimants to the English throne
• Henry had to balance the need for good relations with France against his alliances with other powers, such as Spain and Burgundy, who were often at odds with France

Relations with Spain

• Spain was a crucial ally for Henry VII, particularly in the early years of his reign
• The marriage of Arthur to Catherine of Aragon cemented this alliance and provided Henry with international recognition and support
• However, relations with Spain became strained after the death of Arthur and the subsequent difficulties in arranging the marriage of Catherine to Prince Henry
• Ferdinand of Aragon was reluctant to allow the marriage to proceed without a significant dowry, and Henry was wary of committing to the alliance without clear benefits
• Despite these challenges, the alliance with Spain remained important for England, particularly in the face of potential threats from France and other European powers

Relations with Scotland

• Scotland posed a constant threat to England during Henry VII's reign
• Border conflicts and Scottish support for English rebels were ongoing issues
• Henry initially pursued a policy of aggression, but later shifted towards diplomacy and reconciliation
• The marriage of his daughter Margaret to James IV of Scotland in 1503 was a key achievement, laying the foundation for improved relations between the two countries
• Although the marriage did not immediately end border conflicts, it ultimately led to the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI of Scotland became James I of England

Relations with Burgundy and the Holy Roman Empire

• Burgundy, ruled by Margaret, the Duchess of Burgundy, was a key player in European politics and a persistent thorn in Henry VII's side
• Margaret's support for Perkin Warbeck was a major threat to Henry's reign
• Henry worked to undermine Burgundian support for Warbeck through a combination of diplomacy and economic pressure
• The Intercursus Magnus treaty in 1496 was a significant achievement, as it normalized trade relations between England and Burgundy and reduced Burgundian support for English rebels
• Henry also maintained relations with the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, seeking his support against potential threats from France and other powers

Trade and Economic Policy

• Trade was a central component of Henry VII's foreign policy
• He recognized the importance of promoting English commerce and used treaties and agreements to advance these interests
• The Intercursus Magnus was particularly important in this regard, as it restored trade relations with Burgundy, a key trading partner for England
• Henry also sought to protect English merchants from foreign competition and to promote English shipping
• He introduced the Navigation Acts, which restricted foreign ships from carrying certain goods to and from England, thereby promoting English shipping and trade

Financial Considerations

• Henry VII's foreign policy was heavily influenced by financial considerations
• He was determined to avoid costly wars and to maintain a strong financial position for the English crown
• He used diplomacy and strategic alliances to achieve his objectives, rather than resorting to military force
• Henry was also careful to extract financial benefits from his treaties and agreements, such as the pension he received from France under the Treaty of Etaples
• His focus on financial prudence allowed him to accumulate a substantial reserve of wealth, which strengthened his position both at home and abroad

Legacy

• Henry VII's foreign policy was largely successful in achieving its objectives
• He secured his dynasty, promoted English trade, and avoided costly wars
• His diplomatic skills and strategic alliances laid the foundation for England's rise as a major European power in the 16th century
• The marriage of his daughter Margaret to James IV of Scotland had long-term consequences, ultimately leading to the Union of the Crowns
• Henry's focus on financial stability and economic growth also contributed to the prosperity of England during his reign

Henry VII aimed to secure his dynasty through diplomacy and alliances, avoiding costly wars while promoting English trade. His strategies included marriage alliances, such as marrying his daughter to James IV of Scotland and his son Arthur to Catherine of Aragon, to solidify Tudor legitimacy and foster international stability.