improving trade - Henry VII's foreign policy essay plan

• introduction: 


  trade not most important consideration

  • alternative factors = protection from pretenders, marriage agreements
  • greatest focus was on securing the throne - something which ties all of these factors together
  • overall, Henry's main fear was about the succession not being secured - something which directly translated into all of his foreign policy
  • improving trade can be seen as a secondary benefit of the alliances made to improve relations and ensure security
• factor 1: trade


  can be seen as a consideration - but not main one

  • seen as developing relationships with european countries and increasing income from international relations
  • example = magus + malus intercursus - reopened trade with burgundy - allowed huge exports of wool + meant england could be more involved in international trade
  • however - malus abandoned after 1 yr - more important aspect was handing back of edmund de la pole - links to threats to Henry's throne being bigger consideration
  • backed up by medina del campo - gave trading links with spain but marriage bigger benefit
• factor 2: protection from pretenders 


  pretenders can be seen as a main cause of consideration due to the international threat caused during VII's reign

  • both simnel and warbeck had international support - simnel given 2000 mercenaries by Burgundy
  • overall, also links to prevention of overthrowing of his line
  • example - temporary embargo on commercial dealings with netherlands in 1493 due to them offering warbeck aid
  • shows lack of importance of trade + the importance of protecting throne
  • overall - protection more of a consideration than trade - protection secured his spot on throne
• factor 3: marriage

  • seen as a focus - but only as a method of ensuring protection on throne
  • seen through treaties with scotland and spain
  • treaty of ayton 1497 - marriage of margaret to James - creating alliance
  • treaty of medina del campo - marriage of arthur to catherine
  • marriages seen as insurance of alliances + security - cementing legitimacy of tudor line - another one of henry's worries
  • further shows trade not main issue.
• conclusion: 


  overall, trade not main consideration of henry's foreign policy. Did hold importance to insure economic stability of england. However, henry's worry about protection of his spot on the throne and the protection of his successors can be seen as taking the primary role in considerations due to him prioritising ensuring pretenders failing than the maintaining of relationships with other nations.