Wolsey’s Foreign Policy (Edexcel GCSE History)

During Henry VIII's reign, Europe was politically complex. There were many shifting alliances, religious tensions and territorial ambitions. England had some power in this period. It controlled Ireland, Wales and Calais. Henry wanted to increase England's power and reclaim all of France.

Scotland frequently fought with England over territory and influence. The Auld Alliance between Scotland and France posed a threat to English interests. France, under the rule of King Francis I, emerged as a rival to both England and the Habsburgs.

Spain, under Charles I, was becoming increasingly powerful. Charles I of Spain also then became the Holy Roman Emperor (known as Charles V). Charles combined these two empires to become the Habsburg Empire. The Holy Roman Empire was extremely large, encompassing modern-day Germany, Austria and parts of Italy and Eastern Europe.

The Ottoman Empire was centred in modern-day Turkey. It was a powerful Muslim empire that was expanding into Europe and Asia. The empire posed a significant threat to Christian Europe. It wanted to become a large empire that challenged the Pope's authority and Christianity.

Create a good relationship between England and France and England and the Habsburg Empire

England would have a good diplomatic relationship with the two biggest powers in Europe

To encourage tension between France and the Habsburg Empire

England to gain a political and territorial advantage in Europe

To provide opportunities for Henry VIII to go to war

Henry would gain military glory and a strong reputation without spending too much money

To present Henry VIII as a peacemaker

Henry would gain respect across Europe and avoid the cost of lengthy wars

The Battle of Spurs

1514

It was a decisive battle. Henry VIII won the first war with France

The Treaty of London

1518

It was a diplomatic victory for Wolsey.

The treaty, signed by 20 countries and the Pope, proposed a non-aggression pact.

It showed Henry VIII as a peacemaker and England as important to European politics. It lasted three years

The ‘Field of the Cloth of Gold’

1520

Wolsey organised this diplomatic meeting between Henry VIII and Francis I.

No decisions were made but it showed England's wealth and commitment to diplomacy.

War with France and the Treaty of Bruges

1522–1525

Wolsey allied with Charles I (Charles V) of the Habsburg Empire. In the Treaty of Bruges, Charles promised to support England against France.

Charles gave Henry very little support.

Henry asked to be King of France if he divided France between England and the Habsburg Empire. Charles refused and released Francis I to retake the French throne.

The war was unpopular in England, costing £430,000 and achieved very little for the country

War with the Habsburg Empire and the Treaty of Cambrai

1525–1529

Wolsey changed tactics and allied with France against Charles I (Charles V). The Habsburgs defeated France again.

Henry provided little support for France, showing England as an unreliable ally.

Charles and Francis did not include England in the negotiations for the Treaty of Cambrai. This impacted Wolsey and Henry's reputation and left England with no allies