This bundle explores the development of Tudor foreign policy from the reign of Henry VII through to Elizabeth I. Students examine the changing aims, successes and failures of Tudor monarchs in their relations with foreign powers including France, Spain and Ireland.

The bundle begins with an introduction to Henry VII’s foreign policy aims before exploring key case studies including Brittany and Ireland. Students then investigate the foreign policy of Henry VIII both under and after Thomas Wolsey, before assessing the policies of Mary I and Elizabeth I. The final lessons focus on the war with Spain and Elizabeth’s difficulties in Ireland.

Throughout the bundle, students assess changing foreign policy aims, analyse diplomacy, treaties, war and rebellion, and evaluate the success of Tudor monarchs in securing England’s position at home and abroad. Lessons include engaging activities, enquiry questions, interpretation work and exam-style practice, helping students build confidence in analytical and evaluative writing.

The lessons are as follows:
L1 intro to Henry VII Foreign Policy
L2 Henry VII and Brittany
L3 Henry VII and Ireland
L4 Henry VIII Foreign Policy under Wolsey
L5 Henry VIII Foreign Policy after Wolsey
L6 Mary I Foreign Policy
L7 Elizabeth I Foreign Policy
L8 War with Spain
L9 Elizabeth and Ireland

Skills developed throughout the bundle:
Source and interpretation analysis
Evaluating historical interpretations
Explaining significance and causation
Comparing continuity and change
Analysing treaties, alliances and diplomacy
Constructing supported judgements
Extract based exam practice
Essay planning and analytical writing
Map and contextual analysis
Debate and discussion activities

Any reviews would be appreciated to aid future planning.