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Foreign Policy under Wolsey - Coggle Diagram
Foreign Policy under Wolsey
Overview
Henry had a very ambitious foreign policy aims and there was not surprise that by 1514 he had run out of money and burnt through his inheritance.
This was partly why he couldn't exploit the weakness of Scotland after the Battle of Flodden.
Meant he tried to secure peace with France, rather than wage war. It shows flexibility in his aims.
England remained a relatively minor power and couldn't really compete on the level terms with the major powers of Spain, France and HRM. In reality, Henry overestimated the power of England.
The 'auld alliance' between France and Scotland remained strong. Therefore, when England and France clashed, there was an increased risk of a double invasion. When France and England were on good terms Scotland was less of an issue.
France
Francis Issue
An alliance was formed when Mary - Henry's sister married the king of France Louis XII. However, he died less than a year later and the young, ambitious Francis I succeeded.
Henry saw Francis as a personal and political rival.
Ferdinand
The new king in France caused Henry to seek an alliance with Ferdinand of Aragon.
However, he died in 1516 and Charles V sought an alliance with the France.
Spain, France and HRE all agreed to an alliance and England was left ISOLATED.
For Henry this is a real mess up == He is not in with powerhouses and has no glory for the events happening in main land Europe.
Isolation and France
This isolation gave Francis I the opportunity to undermine Anglo-Scottish relations as the Duke of Albany became appoint regent to the Scottish throne.
Luckily... this threat was reduced by conflict within Scottish nobility.
Out of isolation
Wolsey ended England's isolation with the Treaty of London 1518
The treaty meant that England emerged as the leading diplomat in Western Europe.
The Pope wanted a united Christian front against the Ottoman Empire.
The treaty was widespread and it was built on the idea of "perpetual peace."
It resulted in Wolsey becoming the papal legate over England/
The newfound relationship between England and France continued.
Gave Henry honour without finical expense == England was viewed as the peacemaker.
However...
The treaty would not last long. Future conflict made the treaty meaningless and France and HRM their conflict saw the end of it.
Treaty and on good terms.
England agreed to return Tournai and France agreed to pay pensions to compensate for its loss.
Additionally, the French agreed to keep Albany out of Scotland, ensuring more peaceful relations.
France was very concerned about Spain's increased power and Charles become HRE. Thus, good relations between France and England were increased.
Reinforced by a very extravagant and expensive diplomatic encounter known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520. This made Henry feel on par with France.
Spain and the HRE
Conflict
Francis I and Charles V in 1521. Wolsey negotiated the Treat of Bruges with Charles as the Field of the Cloth of Gold achieved little diplomatically.
Siding
Henry choice to side with Charles he believed it would help to improve relations with the Pope, who was anxious to reduce French control in Italy.
Henry believed he could gain territory he wanted in France.
Part of the deal Mary his daughter was going marry Charles.
Invasion
English armies invade northern France in 1522 and 23.
The campaigns gained little but were costly, with Parliament being reluctant to grant extraordinary revenue to cover the costs.
Henry showed lac of strategic awareness by trying to benefit from the Francis' deaf at the Battle of Pavia in 1525.
France was on her knees and Henry wanted to do a joint invasion but Charles did not.
Resentment grew as Charles did not let Henry take this opportunity, he had issues with the amderable grant and he abandoned his marriage with Mary.
Wolsey lost a lot of his prestige due to this incident.
Pro-French
The fracturing of the Anglo-Imperial alliance led Henry and Wolsey in the direction of a more pro-French foreign policy.
This became evident when Henry lent support to the League of Cognac, which had been put together by the Pope in order to counterbalance the power of the emperor in northern Italy following the Battle of Pavia.
This backed fired...
The King's Great Matter created a new complication in foreign policy. Thus, being on bad terms with the emperor made the situation worse. Thus, led to the fall of Wolsey and make Henry as object of suspicion in the whole of Catholic Europe.