Brittany and France

Subdecks (3)

Cards (37)

  • Henry VII did have some support on the continent
  • Duchy of Brittany had provided Henry with refuge when he fled England in 1471
  • France wanted to incorporate the Duchy into the kingdom meaning all the Channel coast was in the hands of the French
  • France was England's traditional enemy following the Hundred Years War, but the situation was made more dangerous because France was also allied to Scotland.
  • Bretton Crisis (1499) = Henry's reign faced unrest due to France's aggressive policy
  • France sought to annex Brittany, the only independent part of France
  • French regent proposed marriage between Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany, but she was already betrothed to Maximilian
  • Conflict ensued as Maximilian and Ferdinand of Aragon supported Brittany, while Brittany sought aid from England
  • Henry faced a dilemma: prevent French control of Channel vs honouring French aid in seizing the throne
  • France's peace agreements with Maximilian (July 1489) and Spain left Henry vulnerable
  • Henry invested resources and credibility in defending Brittany - embarrassing