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Henry VII + Wolsey Foreign Policy - Coggle Diagram
Henry VII + Wolsey Foreign Policy
France
Henry sought to revive his claim to the French crown, mirroring the 110 Years’ War.
War efforts against France (1512, 1516, 1522) show Henry’s aggressive approach.
In 1513 Wolsey securing victory at Battle of Spurs and capturing Tournai and Thérouanne.
England also defeated Scotland at Flodden (1514), success solidifying military reputation + prestige
Wolsey prevented further war, negotiating a Perpetual Peace with France (1514) after Francis I’s accession
1512: England joined anti-French coalition, but initial campaign failed
Wolsey’s diplomatic maneuvering to secure French support for his papacy ambitions.
Aims
Desire for peace (though often unsuccessful).
Papal interest (supporting the Pope).
National interest (prestige & security).
Satisfying Henry VIII’s demands (honour & glory).
Self-interest (personal ambition).
Pope
Pollard: Wolsey’s main aim was securing the independence of the Papacy, potentially to become Pope himself.
Wolsey never visited Rome or ingratiated himself at the Papal court.
He didn't increase English influence in the Curia.
His political ambitions in England were more important than ecclesiastical advancement.
Papal cooperation before Wolsey:
1511: Anglo-Papal alliance against France (Julius II’s anti-French League).
1524: Gained legatus a latere (extended Papal authority in England).
1521 & 1523: Henry backed Wolsey’s failed Papal election attempts.
Charles V first appears to have planted the idea of aspiring to become the Pope in Wolsey's head
Wants to win Wolsey's favour to secure his support in English diplomacy
Unsuccess Charles V gained even more power over the pope due to Battle of Pavia and dominance of Rome where he placed Pope on house arrest
Role as Peacemaker
Field of Cloth of Gold
Example of Wolsey's peace making ability in organisation of field of Cloth
It was expensive and superficial – cost England over £15,000 but yielded little concrete benefit.
Limited significance: Henry's secret alliance with Charles V in treaty of bruges
strengthened the image of Henry as a Renaissance monarch engaging directly with other rulers.
1518 treaty of London
As this had taken place in London it looked like Henry had united the whole of Europe in peace
Based on French predominance but elevated England’s status.
Wolsey brokered the Universal Peace, a diplomatic agreement that sought to end the hostilities between European powers
Short-lived: hostilities between France and Spain resumed by 1521 (War of the League of Cognac).
Seen by many as a glorified truce rather than a genuine step towards lasting peace.
England lacked the military or economic strength to enforce the treaty if war resumed.
Wolsey's efforts to position England as 'Arbiter of Europe' illustrates how he aimed to serve Henry's ambitions
Importance of prestige and diplomacy over military action
Later policy
1519: Charles V became Holy Roman Emperor, creating a Franco-Habsburg rivalry.
Wolsey’s dilemma: England’s neutral status collapsed, forcing them to choose sides.
1523: Anglo-Imperial alliance against France:
English troops reached 50 miles from Paris but failed due to costs.
Wolsey realized military campaigns were financially unsustainable.
1525 Battle of Pavia
Charles V defeated Francis I, shifting power dynamics, diminishing England's role
Wolsey reversed policy, seeking peace with France.
Henry wanted to divide France, but Charles refused to cooperate.
Treaty of Bruges (1521):
Wolsey’s secret alliance with Charles V, signaling England’s shift toward Habsburg interests.
The treaty promised mutual military support against France, but England’s military involvement remained limited.
War with France (1522-1523):
Henry’s desire to invade France to claim glory, despite Wolsey’s preference for peace.
Failed military campaign in 1523, despite a French weakness.
Financial strain and poor strategic planning, leading to the failure of English objectives.
The sacking of Rome in 1527 by Charles’ forces marked the papacy’s decline in influence.
Diplomatic isolation
Wolsey’s failure to maintain alliances with both France and the Habsburgs left England diplomatically isolated.
The Peace of Cambrai (1529) between France and the Habsburgs showed England’s exclusion from major diplomatic decisions.
Failure of league of Cognac
Wolsey’s attempt to build a coalition against Habsburg dominance failed due to England’s lack of influence.