England, 1485–1603 – Henry VII, 1485–1509: Relationships with Scotland and…

The idea

Henry VII’s foreign policy prioritised national security, dynastic recognition, and securing the succession over expensive military glory. His relationship with Scotland was initially tense, culminating in James IV’s support for Perkin Warbeck, but was neutralised by the Treaty of Ayton (1497) and the marriage of Margaret Tudor to James IV. With other foreign powers, Henry used treaties to prevent support for pretenders and build alliances. The Treaty of Medina del Campo (1489) with Spain secured international recognition and arranged the marriage of Prince Arthur to Catherine of Aragon. Following Arthur's death, Henry worked to maintain the Spanish alliance to protect his remaining heir, Prince Henry, ensuring the Tudor dynasty's survival.

What earns the marks

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Treaty of Medina del Campo in securing international recognition and the Spanish marriage alliance.
• Analyse how Henry VII neutralised the Scottish threat through the Truce of Ayton and the subsequent Treaty of Perpetual Peace.
• Assess the impact of foreign support for pretenders, such as Margaret of Burgundy's backing of Perkin Warbeck, on Henry's diplomatic strategies.
• Explain how the deaths of Prince Arthur and Elizabeth of York forced Henry to adapt his foreign policy to protect the succession.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Claiming Henry VII sought to conquer France.

  Put it right: In reality, he launched a brief invasion in 1492 primarily to secure the Treaty of Etaples and a French pension, not territorial conquest.

• Confusing the sequence of the Spanish marriage; students often forget that Catherine of Aragon married Prince Arthur first, and only after his death was she betrothed to Prince Henry.

• Assuming relations with Scotland were permanently peaceful after 1502.

  Put it right: Border raids continued and the underlying tension remained despite the Treaty of Perpetual Peace.

Exam tips

• Link foreign policy directly to domestic security, showing how treaties were primarily designed to stop foreign monarchs from harbouring Yorkist pretenders.
• Use specific treaty names and dates, such as the Treaty of Redon or the Treaty of Windsor, to substantiate arguments about Henry's diplomatic shifts.
• When evaluating success, distinguish between Henry's early reign, which focused on survival, and his later reign, which focused on dynastic consolidation and trade.