To what extent did England pursue a consistent policy towards Burgundy and the Netherlands in the period from 1485 to 1603?
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2022
Topic
Tudor foreign policy 1485-1603
👑Complete Model Essay
To what extent did England pursue a consistent policy towards Burgundy and the Netherlands in the period from 1485 to 1603?
To What Extent Did England Pursue a Consistent Policy Towards Burgundy and the Netherlands in the Period from 1485 to 1603?
The period from 1485 to 1603 witnessed a complex and evolving relationship between England and the territories of Burgundy and the Netherlands. While a degree of consistency can be observed in English policy, driven by factors such as the importance of trade and the desire for a balance of power in Europe, significant shifts occurred, particularly in response to the rise of Habsburg power and the Dutch Revolt. This essay argues that while England generally sought to maintain good relations with Burgundy and the Netherlands, the changing political landscape and religious tensions led to significant deviations from a consistent policy.
Consistency in English Policy:
The Importance of Trade: A key factor motivating English policy towards Burgundy and the Netherlands was the lucrative trade in cloth. Burgundy was a major market for English wool, and the Low Countries were vital for the processing and export of finished cloth. This economic interdependence created a strong incentive for England to maintain peace and stable trading relationships with these regions. For instance, Henry VII employed trade embargoes against countries like Burgundy when there were potential claimants to the English throne residing there, highlighting the importance of economic stability.
Maintaining a Balance of Power: England sought to prevent any single power from dominating the Channel region. The growing power of France, especially under Louis XI and later Francis I, posed a significant threat to English security. Maintaining good relations with the Burgundian Dukes and then the Habsburgs, who controlled the Low Countries, served as a counterbalance to French ambitions. This strategic aim was a driving force behind the consistent alliance between England and Spain, particularly under Mary I and Elizabeth I. This alliance was considered essential for containing French aggression and maintaining a balance of power in northwestern Europe.
Traditional Enmity with France: France remained England's traditional enemy throughout the period. This historical animosity contributed to a consistent policy of seeking closer ties with the rulers of Burgundy and the Netherlands, often seen as allies against France. The English monarchs were willing to negotiate and even make alliances with the Habsburgs to counter French influence, even though this could sometimes lead to tensions and conflicts.
Challenges to Consistency:
The Dutch Revolt: The outbreak of the Dutch Revolt in 1566 significantly disrupted the traditional relationship between England and the Netherlands. Elizabeth I initially tried to maintain good relations with Philip II of Spain, the ruler of the Netherlands. However, the brutal suppression of the Dutch revolt by the Spanish, coupled with Elizabeth's own Protestant beliefs, led to a shift in English policy. Elizabeth increasingly supported the Dutch rebels, providing them with financial and military aid. This marked a departure from the previous policy of maintaining close ties with the Spanish Habsburgs.
Religious Tensions: The growing religious divide between England and Spain, particularly after Elizabeth's accession to the throne in 1558, created further challenges to a consistent policy. Elizabeth's Protestant beliefs made her sympathetic to the Dutch Protestants, while her Spanish Catholic counterpart, Philip II, was determined to crush the rebellion. This religious conflict played a significant role in shaping English policy towards the Netherlands.
Policy Subject to Spanish Relations: English policy towards Burgundy and the Netherlands was often dictated by the prevailing relationship with Spain. For most of the period, England sought to maintain good relations with Spain, as it was seen as a crucial ally against France. However, this relationship was often strained by religious tensions and the Spanish ambitions in the Low Countries. Elizabeth's support for the Dutch rebels and her execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, a Catholic claimant to the English throne with ties to Spain, significantly deteriorated relations between England and Spain. This instability in the relationship with Spain resulted in inconsistent policy toward the Netherlands.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while England did pursue a degree of consistency in its policy towards Burgundy and the Netherlands during the period from 1485 to 1603, this policy was not without its exceptions and complexities. The importance of trade, the desire for a balance of power, and the traditional enmity with France provided a framework for English diplomacy. However, the Dutch Revolt, the growing religious divide, and the fluctuations in relations with Spain led to significant shifts in English policy. Ultimately, England's relationship with Burgundy and the Netherlands was characterized by a complex interplay of economic, political, and religious considerations, making a completely consistent policy throughout this period difficult to maintain.
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To What Extent Did England Pursue a Consistent Policy Towards Burgundy and the Netherlands in the Period from 1485 to 1603?
This essay will explore the extent to which England pursued a consistent policy towards Burgundy and the Netherlands between 1485 and 1603. It will argue that while there were some elements of consistency, particularly in the early part of the period, there were also significant shifts in policy, influenced by changing political and religious landscapes.
Arguments for Consistency
Several factors suggest a degree of consistency in England's policy towards Burgundy and the Netherlands.
Economic Ties and the Cloth Trade
The flourishing cloth trade between England and the Low Countries was a major economic driver. This trade relationship, particularly with the Burgundian dukes, provided a strong incentive for maintaining peaceful relations. Both Henry VII and Henry VIII, for example, avoided direct conflict with Burgundy to protect this vital trade route.
Strategic Considerations and Control of the Channel
England was inherently concerned about the potential for a dominant power, either France or the Habsburgs, to control the English Channel. This concern motivated a desire to maintain a balance of power and prevent the emergence of a single dominant force on the continent. This was particularly evident during the reign of Henry VIII, who sought to avoid a French-Habsburg alliance that could threaten English interests.
Alliance with Spain and Counterbalancing France
Throughout much of the period, England sought to strengthen its position by forging alliances with Spain, particularly during the reign of Mary I and Elizabeth I. This alliance provided a counterweight to the ambitions of France and helped maintain a balance of power in Europe. This policy also influenced relations with the Netherlands, as Spain's control of the region became intertwined with English strategic interests.
France as a Traditional Enemy
The long-standing rivalry between England and France was a constant factor in foreign policy. From the Tudor dynasty's inception, there was a strong drive to prevent French expansion and maintain a balance of power in Europe. This animosity towards France contributed to a consistent desire to keep Burgundy and the Netherlands from falling under French control.
Arguments for Inconsistency
While there were elements of consistency, significant shifts emerged in England's policy towards Burgundy and the Netherlands, particularly in the second half of the period.
The Dutch Revolt and Changing Religious Landscape
The Dutch Revolt in the late 16th century marked a turning point. Elizabeth I, while retaining good relations with Spain initially, increasingly supported the Dutch Protestants as the conflict escalated. This shift reflected a growing concern for the fate of fellow Protestants and a willingness to challenge Spain's dominance in the region. It also highlighted a shift away from maintaining a purely pragmatic relationship based on economic or strategic considerations.
Elizabeth's Religious Beliefs and the Protestant Cause
Elizabeth I's personal religious convictions played a role in shaping her foreign policy. Having faced religious persecution herself, she was sympathetic to the plight of Dutch Protestants and saw supporting them as upholding the Protestant cause and demonstrating English strength on the European stage. This religious dimension led to a greater focus on ideological alignment rather than simply maintaining a balance of power.
Henry VII's Trade Embargoes and Pragmatism
Henry VII, despite the economic importance of the Low Countries, employed trade embargoes against Burgundy when he believed it was necessary to protect his throne. This demonstrated a willingness to prioritize domestic stability and security over economic interests. His actions suggest a degree of flexibility in his policy and a willingness to adjust based on immediate political realities.
Contingent Policy Based on Spanish Relations
The English policy towards Burgundy and the Netherlands was often contingent on the state of relations with Spain. For instance, during Henry VIII's reign, the relationship was primarily driven by his ambition to marry a Spanish princess. This dynamic, where English policy was heavily influenced by the Spanish alliance, demonstrated a lack of consistency in its dealings with the Netherlands and Burgundy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while England's policy towards Burgundy and the Netherlands exhibited some degree of consistency, particularly in the early Tudor period, it was ultimately influenced by a variety of factors. Economic interests, the desire to control the Channel, and the traditional rivalry with France fostered a degree of continuity. However, the Dutch Revolt, Elizabeth I's religious convictions, and Henry VII's pragmatic approach to trade demonstrated a shift towards a more complex and nuanced policy. Ultimately, the English policy was not a monolithic entity but rather a dynamic response to evolving political, economic, and religious landscapes. This complexity challenges a simplistic view of consistency and highlights the inherent fluidity of international relations during this period.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Supporting the Hypothesis
It might be argued that monarchs attempted to maintain peace with the Burgundian dukes and Habsburgs because of the cloth trade.
Answers might consider that the policy was consistent as they did not want the Channel under the control of one power (France/Habsburgs).
Answers might consider that the policy was consistent because of the desire for good relations with Spain as a counter to France and that for most of the period England was allied with Spain.
Answers might consider that there was a consistent policy because France was the traditional enemy.
Answers might consider that there was consistency in the period until c1580 because of the desire to maintain good relations with Spain.
Challenging the Hypothesis
It might be argued that the Dutch revolt led to a change in policy.
Answers might consider that Elizabeth was more concerned with supporting fellow Protestants than retaining good relations with Spain.
Answers might consider that there was not a consistent policy as Henry VII used trade embargoes against other countries when there were potential claimants to the throne there.
Answers might consider that policy towards Burgundy/Netherlands depended on relations with Spain.