Henry VIII's Foreign Policy: 1521-1539

The period from 1521 to 1539 saw a shift in Henry VIII's foreign policy, marked by alliances, conflicts, and significant treaties that reshaped England's position in European affairs.

In 1522, the Treaty of Bruges was signed, a secret alliance between England and Spain during the Italian Wars of 1521-1526. This treaty set a date for war with France, fueled by an Anglo-Habsburg alliance, demonstrating Henry's willingness to engage in continental conflicts.

The Battle of Pavia in 1525, a phase of the Italian Wars, resulted in the capture of Francis I of France. This event had significant repercussions for European power dynamics and England's foreign policy objectives.

Highlight: The capture of Francis I at the Battle of Pavia altered the balance of power in Europe and influenced Henry VIII's diplomatic strategies.

In 1526, England became linked with the League of Cognac, although Henry did not officially include England in the league. This alliance, set up by Wolsey to gain papal recognition, aimed to drive the Imperial army from Northern Italy.

The Sack of Rome in 1527 by Charles V's forces marked a turning point in European politics, as it resulted in the Holy Roman Emperor gaining control over the Pope. This event occurred during the War of the League of Cognac and had far-reaching implications for England's relations with both the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire.

Example: The Sack of Rome in 1527 demonstrated the power of Charles V and the vulnerability of the Papacy, influencing Henry VIII's later decisions regarding the Church.

The Treaty of Amiens in 1527 saw England offering support to France against the Holy Roman Empire, indicating a shift in alliances. However, the French defeat at the Battle of Landriano in 1529 and the subsequent Peace of Cambrai between France and the Holy Roman Empire marked the end of the War of the League of Cognac.

This period concluded with Wolsey's downfall in 1529, signaling a significant change in England's approach to foreign policy. The events of these years laid the groundwork for Henry VIII's future decisions, including his break with the Roman Catholic Church and the establishment of the Church of England.

Vocabulary: The Italian Wars were a series of conflicts from 1494 to 1559 that involved most of the major powers of Western Europe in a struggle for supremacy in Italy.