Henry VII's Foreign Policy Strategy

Henry VII's approach to international relations was brilliantly practical - he knew England couldn't afford costly wars, so he relied on smart diplomacy and strategic marriages instead. His main goals were securing the Tudor dynasty, protecting English trade (especially the crucial cloth industry), and preventing foreign powers from supporting rival claimants to his throne.

Trade formed the backbone of Henry's foreign policy, particularly with Burgundy where English cloth was sold. When Burgundy supported the pretender Perkin Warbeck, Henry imposed a trade embargo (1493-1496) that hurt both countries economically. This led to the Magnus Intercursus treaty, which restored profitable trading relationships.

The Brittany crisis showed Henry's cunning perfectly. When France threatened to absorb Brittany (giving them control of both sides of the English Channel), Henry sent 6,000 troops under the Treaty of Redon (1486). However, he deliberately launched his main attack in October 1492 - right at the end of campaign season when France was more focused on Italian affairs.

Key Insight: Henry's attack timing was genius - he looked like he was helping Brittany whilst ensuring minimal actual fighting and costs.

This masterstroke led to the Treaty of Étaples, where France agreed to pay Henry £5,000 annually and promised not to support English rebels. Henry had turned a potential disaster into profit whilst protecting English interests.