To what extent was foreign policy as success between

1536-1547?LO – To understand how

Henry’s foreign policy developed in the last years of

his reign

Ireland – Throughout Henry’s reign

Henry VIII regarded Ireland as troublesome and rebellious. – It had supported Lambert Simnel and Warbeck

Henry’s control was limited mostly to an area around Dublin called the Pale.

Earl of Kildare – dominant Irish nobleman- played a complex game in which he was a servant to the English crown and the most powerful Gaelic chief.

Relationship with the King broke down. Henry VIIIs problem was that he found it difficult to govern with Kildare; but impossible without him.

Ireland – Throughout Henry’s reign

1534 – 1st Kildare rebellion led by his son motivated by the dismissal of his father

1536- 2nd Kildare rebellion – led by Thomas Fitzgerald (10th Earl of Kildare) against the Act of Supremacy

Only suppressed with difficulty and at considerable expense

Attempt to reorganise Irish government under more direct English control failed. Required an English born deputy and substantial military presence. Ireland became an increasing drain on the crown.

Rebellion in 1539- invasion of the Pale

1541 – Attempt to pacify Ireland by making it a separate kingdom. Gaelic Lords received titles and land in return for wearing allegiance to Henry VIII as King of Ireland.

English government lacked the resources tofollow through with the policy and the differences in religion made the relationship more complex and strained.

Cromwell’s search for Protestant allies 1530-40

During 1530s South-East Europe was threatened by Suleiman the Magnificent. This was significant because the threat to Charles’ territory meant that he was not in a position to concern himself with the plight of his aunt Catherine of Aragon in England even though he was horrified by Henry’s break from Rome.

In 1536 any international pressure on Henry was reduced because:

1. The death of Catherine of Aragon and the execution of Anne Boleyn opened up the possibility of a renewed alliance with Charles V. 2. The renewal of fighting between France and Charles V reduced the potential danger to England’s isolated position

Cromwell’s search for Protestant allies 1530-40

Relief short-lived. 1538 was once again weakened because:

1. Charles and Francis once again buried their differences in the treaty of Nice and they agreed to sever connections with England

2. Pope Paul III excommunicated Henry

3. The Pope sent envoys to France and Scotland encouraging them to start a Catholic crusade against England.

In reality the situation was not as dangerous as it appeared – France and Spain did not trust each other and both had other priorities. However, the passing of the Six Articles in 1539 was designed to reassure Catholics in England. Anne of Cleves and League of Schmalkalden (group od German princes and free cities who supported Luther) useful insurance policy.

Foreign Policy 1540-1547 1530s focus had been to minimise the response of

foreign powers to the break from Rome. 1540s Henry returned to an aggressive policy which

characterised his early years.

Scotland 1540-1547 1540s – James V of Scotland had taken a pro-French

course including a marrying Mary Guise (a relative of the French King). Henry attempted to negotiate with James but James refused.

1542 – Henry sent Duke of Norfolk to attack the Scots. Success. Solway Moss the Scottish army was defeated. 1,000 Scottish soldiers taken prisoner. James V died of fever within the week leaving the crown to his week old daughter Mary Queen of Scots.

Treaty of Greenwich 1543 –Henry proposed to marry Edward to Mary – policy became known as the ‘rough wooing’

Scotland 1540-1547 ‘Rough Wooing’ seemed to enjoy the support of the

Earl of Arran ( Scottish regent) Sir Ralph Sadler reported widespread mistrust of the

English by the Scottish but Henry ignored this warning The children were formally betrothed although the

Scottish refused to allow Mary to be brought up in England.

However, Arran deserted the English and the Scottish parliament refused to ratify the treaty. Henry was furous and ordered a raid on Scotland by the Earl of Hertford (Edward Seymour)

Scotland 1540-1547 Henry can be criticised for the failure of his Scottish

policy.1. He neglected the opportunity to secure his policy by

force in 15422. He failed to heed Sadler’s warning3. His ordering of Hertford into Scotland was simply

revenge. There was no thought to possible strategic objectives and simple served to antagonize the Scots still further.

Europe 1540-1547 Henry still hoped for glory against the French Henry agreed an alliance with Charles V 1544 -A large English army set off for France . Henry

despite advice against it at the head of the army. Henry had little thought for strategic objectives. He did

think that an attempt on Paris was unlikely to succeed despite promises made in the alliance with the emperor. The Enlgish concentrated mainly in the area around Calais

Besieged Montreuil unsuccessful but did capture Boulogne Emperor Charles V tired of the conflict and made a

sperate peace with Francis I.

Europe 1540-1547 Henry’s situation got even worse in 1545:1. Francis I sent troops to Scotland to reinforce a possible

invasion from Scotland.2. The English were defeated by the Scots at the Battle of

Ancrum Moor3. A separate French force landed at the Isle of Wight4. Henry’s flagship, The Mary Rose, sank in the Solent.5. The French never recaptured Boulogne and the invasion

of northern England never materialised.6. Both sides happy to sue for peace as neither could

afford to continue the conflict.

Europe 1540-1547 1546 Peace agreed Henry paid a high price for a vain pursuit Unable to fund it using extraordinary revenue Henry

sold much of the crown estate and debased coinage thereby increasing inflation.

This proved to be a toxic legacy.

Revision Summary Chart Scotlan

dFrance Spain Holy

Roman Empire

1509-14

1514-27

1527-40

1540-1547Conclusion