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 aggressivepolicy
France sought to annexBrittany, 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 AragonsupportedBrittany, 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
