Prestige Rather than National Security was the Main Concern of Henry VIII's Foreign Policy from 1529-1547

Prestige Rather than National Security was the Main Concern of Henry VIII's Foreign Policy from 1529-1547

During the 1930's, much of Henry's foreign policy was distracted by

reformation and as England had broken away from Rome, England was on

its own and to some degree in a vulnerable situation especially when

England was threatened by a Catholic crusade from The Empire and

France. Henry was alarmed by this threat and used monastic wealth to

build up England's defences. Henry spent a staggering ₤600.00 on

coastal forts and on the navy; therefore, showing that during the

1930.s Henry's main concern was national security rather than

prestige, because of the reaction he took by building forts and the

amount of money he spent.

Also during the 1930's he made an alliance with German Princes and

cemented this with the marriage to Anne of Cleeves, this alliance was

in order to protect Henry's national security due to the Emperor's and

Frances threats and their alliance.

During the 1540's, foreign policy became a key part for Henry.

In 1942, England went to battle with Scotland at Solway Moss even

though it was later on in his reign, as he had been distracted with

reformation, Scotland was a traditional enemy who was a 'backdoor'

threat to England in times of crisis-especially as Scotland had the

auld alliance with France. Therefore, Henry's main concern was

national security because before Henry could attack France, he had to

neutralize Scotland otherwise England's security was at risk, which

was shown during Henry VII's reign with the battle of Stoke. Also the

Battle at Solway Moss and the Greenwich treaties opened a new

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intention

However, I wouldn't stay that during 1529- 1547, Henry's main concern

was national security for his foreign policy, put other factors like

succession came into play, because compared to the other great powers

of Francis I and Emperor Charles, Henry was a minor, therefore,

capturing Bologne and invading France and Scotland would improve his

succession and make him into a great power. Also dependable on the

situation Henry concerns for his foreign policy may have been

different every time, and also his main concern for his foreign policy

may have been all the factors of Great Power, Succession, prestige and

National security, all together. When he invaded France it was because

he would gain glory from attacking a great power, but also because he

wanted to secure his national security and his succession.