Relations with Burgundy, the Netherlands, and the Holy Roman Empire

Henry VII recognized the importance of maintaining good relations with these regions:

1. Most English exports went through the Netherlands, making it crucial for trade.
2. Margaret, Duchess of Burgundy, was the sister of Richard III and posed a potential threat to Henry's rule.
3. Henry initially wanted to stop trading to strengthen his kingship but later improved relations.

Key developments:

• 1496: Intercursus Magnus signed, improving trade relations
• 1506: Treaty of Windsor established, further strengthening ties
• Philip/Maximilian agreed to hand over Edmund De La Pole, a potential rival to Henry

Highlight: These diplomatic efforts significantly improved trade overall and strengthened Henry VII's position.

Relations with Spain

Henry VII sought to establish strong ties with Spain, ruled by Ferdinand and Isabella:

1. The Treaty of Medina Del Campo was signed, addressing mutual concerns.
2. Ferdinand was worried about the threat of Perkin Warbeck, a pretender to the English throne.
3. The death of Prince Arthur in 1502 and Isabella's death in 1504 led to power struggles in Spain.
4. Henry sided with Joanna (Ferdinand's daughter) and her husband Philip of Burgundy.
5. The Treaty of Windsor in 1506 further solidified relations.

Example: When Philip died in 1506, Ferdinand regained control, leaving Henry somewhat isolated. This demonstrates the fluid nature of alliances in European politics during this period.

Treaties and Truces in Henry VII's Foreign Policy

Understanding the difference:

• Treaty: A permanent, long-term agreement
• Truce: A short-term suspension of hostilities

Key treaties and truces during Henry VII's reign:

1. Treaty of Redon (February 1489):

   • Signed between Henry VII and representatives of Brittany
   • Henry sent 6,000 English troops under Lord Daubeney's command

2. Treaty of Etaples (1492):

   • Ended the English invasion of France
   • France agreed to expel Perkin Warbeck and pay England an indemnity of £159,000
   • England accepted French control of Brittany
   • France withdrew support for Warbeck
   • War indemnity of 745,000 crowns, payable at 50,000 crowns per annum

3. Treaty of Medina del Campo (1489):

   • Established an alliance between England and Spain
   • Addressed mutual concerns, including the threat of Perkin Warbeck

Quote: "The Treaty of Etaples was ratified in December, marking a significant diplomatic success for Henry VII in his dealings with France."

These treaties and truces played a crucial role in shaping Henry VII's foreign policy, helping to secure England's position in Europe and protect its interests abroad.

Henry VII's Foreign Policy Aims

Henry VII's foreign policy was driven by three main objectives:

1. Ensuring national security for England
2. Gaining recognition for the Tudor dynasty
3. Defending English trading interests

These aims shaped his approach to international relations throughout his reign.

Highlight: Henry VII's primary focus was on strengthening England's position both militarily and economically.

The Breton Crisis

The situation in Brittany, an independent area in France, became a concern for Henry VII when France invaded in 1487. This alarmed Henry because:

• If France gained control of Brittany, England's south coast would be militarily vulnerable
• Calais would be at greater risk
• Trade could be disrupted

Henry felt obligated to help Brittany after they had sheltered him previously. This led to the Treaty of Redon in February 1489, where:

• The Duchess Anne of Brittany paid for a small English force to defend Brittany
• Parliament granted £100,000 to finance the force
• Henry increased troops to 12,000

Example: The English army crossed the Channel in April 1489, with Henry aiming to defend Brittany rather than engage in full-scale war with France.