Discuss the foreign policy of Henry VII and its impacts.

Henry VII's foreign policy was primarily focused on securing his dynasty, maintaining peace, and enhancing England's international prestige.

Henry VII ascended to the throne in 1485, following a period of civil war known as the Wars of the Roses. His reign marked the beginning of the Tudor dynasty, and his foreign policy was largely shaped by his desire to secure his family's position. This was achieved through a series of strategic marriages and alliances, which helped to strengthen England's relationships with other European powers. For instance, understanding the foreign policy and international relations of the time helps contextualise Henry VII's strategies.

One of the key aspects of Henry VII's foreign policy was his pursuit of peace. He sought to avoid costly wars and instead focused on establishing diplomatic relations. This was a significant departure from the aggressive foreign policy of his Yorkist predecessors. Henry VII's approach was pragmatic and cautious, prioritising England's economic stability over territorial expansion. This policy of peace had a significant impact on England's international standing, as it helped to restore the country's reputation after the turmoil of the Wars of the Roses. This approach can be contrasted with the imperial aspirations seen in other historical contexts.

Henry VII also sought to enhance England's prestige on the international stage. He achieved this through a series of high-profile marriages for his children. For example, his eldest son Arthur was married to Catherine of Aragon, the daughter of the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. This marriage not only secured a valuable alliance with Spain, but also elevated England's status in the eyes of other European powers. Similarly, his daughter Margaret was married to James IV of Scotland, which helped to improve relations between the two countries. This diplomatic strategy aligns with the broader understanding of foreign policy practices in Europe during the period.

However, Henry VII's foreign policy was not without its critics. Some argued that his focus on peace and diplomacy left England vulnerable to attack. Others suggested that his policy of arranging marriages for his children was a form of dynastic exploitation. Despite these criticisms, Henry VII's foreign policy was largely successful in achieving its aims. It helped to secure the Tudor dynasty, maintain peace, and enhance England's international prestige. Comparing this with the Abyssinian Crisis and its diplomatic responses can provide further insights into the effectiveness of Henry VII's policies.

A-Level History Tutor Summary: Henry VII's foreign policy focused on securing his Tudor dynasty's future, maintaining peace, and boosting England's reputation abroad. He achieved this by forming strategic marriages and alliances, avoiding wars, and prioritising economic stability. His approach differed from previous rulers, leading to improved relations with European powers. Despite some criticism, his policies were effective in stabilising and elevating England's international standing.