1514-1526

• What 3 key points can be made about policymaking at this time?

  1. England remained a relatively minor power, it could not compete with the likes of France and Spain.
  2. Henry significantly overestimated England's power.
  3. The Auld Alliance between Scotland and France remained strong which led to increased tension when there was conflict.
• What were the two consequences of Henry's poor financial circumstances by the end of 1514?

  1. He was not able to exploit Scotland after the death of James IV.
  2. He made peace with France - marriage alliance between Mary (his sister) and King Louis XII.
• How did Henry regard Louis XII's successor?

  As his personal and political rival. He immediately sought an alliance against France with Spain.
• How did England end up so dangerously isolated?

  Both Henry and Charles V wanted an alliance with France, but Charles and Maximillian agreed the Treaty of Cambrais with France.
• How did events in Scotland show Henry as weak and incompetent?

  The Duke of Albany (French noble) was appointed regent to the Scottish throne, demonstrating how Henry was incapable of exploiting divisions and weaknesses within Scotland.
• How did Wolsey end England's isolation in Europe?

  The Treaty of London (1518). It's scope widened and it became a treaty of perpetual peace between the 4 powers.
• How did the Treaty of London in 1518 help Wolsey's rise to power?

  Wolsey was appointed Papal Legate (personal representative of the Pope).
• Evidence of good relations between England and France after the Treaty of London?

  1. England agreed to return Tournai to France.
  2. France agreed to pay England a pension.
  3. French agreed to keep Albany out of Scotland.
• Why did France decide to change their policy towards England?

  France was concerned about the increasing power that Spain could exert with the election of the Spanish king to the post of Holy Roman Emperor.
• Why did Henry decide to 'switch sides' and sign the Treaty of Bruges with Charles V?

  1. He believed he might gain territory within France.
  2. It could improve relations with the Pope, who wanted to reduce French control over Northern Italy.
  3. It included a marriage alliance between the Emperor and Henry's daughter Mary.
• How did Henry show his shift towards a pro-French foreign policy?

  He supported the League of Cognac (anti-Spanish alliance).
• Why did English foreign policy suddenly get very complicated?

  Pro-French policy coincided with the King's Great Matter.