Tudors and Europe

Dr. Beale blamed foreigners for poverty in 1517, but migration, war, religion, commerce, and dynastic security were also important factors. The Tudors and Europe examines the forces that shaped Tudor perspectives and European responses to their counterparts across the Channel.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

In 1517, a certain Dr. Beale, the rector of St. Mary Spital in London, stirred the capital's mob by placing the blame for an increase in poverty squarely on the shoulders of greedy foreigners. "God has given England to Englishmen," he ranted, and "as birds would defend their nest, so ought Englishmen to cherish and defend themselves and to hurt and grieve aliens for the common weal." However, migration was not the only factor influencing Tudor attitudes towards Europe. War, religion, commerce, and dynastic security were all critical in linking England to developments abroad, and in ways that remain strikingly relevant today. What were the forces that shaped the shifting perspectives of Tudor men and women and their rulers towards a continent at the crossroads? And what, in turn, were the responses of sixteenth-century Europeans to their counterparts across the Channel?

The Tudors and Europe delves into a period when England's very survival hung in the balance, asking if it holds lessons for the present. Dr. Beale's inflammatory remarks ignited the anger of the Londoners, who believed that foreigners were responsible for their economic woes. However, it is important to recognize that migration was not the sole factor shaping Tudor attitudes towards Europe. War, religion, commerce, and dynastic security played pivotal roles in connecting England to the broader European continent.

War was a significant driver of English involvement in Europe. The Tudor dynasty was involved in numerous conflicts with neighboring countries, such as France and Scotland, which necessitated military alliances and interventions. These wars not only shaped English foreign policy but also had a profound impact on the country's economy, culture, and society.

Religion also played a crucial role in shaping Tudor attitudes towards Europe. The Reformation, led by figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin, challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and led to a renewed interest in Christianity and the study of other religious traditions. This religious fervor influenced English merchants and explorers who traveled to Europe in search of religious relics and knowledge.

Commerce was another important factor linking England to Europe. The Tudor period saw the rise of a prosperous merchant class, which facilitated trade and commerce between England and other European countries. This trade not only brought economic benefits to England but also exposed the country to new ideas, technologies, and cultural practices.

Dynastic security was another key concern for the Tudors. The dynasty was constantly threatened by rival claimants to the throne, such as the Houses of Lancaster and York. To ensure their survival, the Tudors sought to strengthen their alliances with other European powers, such as France and Spain. This led to the establishment of the English Empire, which stretched from England to parts of Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

The responses of sixteenth-century Europeans to their Tudor counterparts were varied. Some European powers, such as France and Spain, viewed the Tudors as a threat to their own interests and sought to undermine their authority. Others, such as the Holy Roman Empire and the Netherlands, saw the Tudors as a potential ally and sought to establish diplomatic relations with them.

In conclusion, the Tudors and Europe explores a time when the survival of England hung critically in the balance, and the forces that shaped Tudor attitudes towards Europe were diverse and complex. War, religion, commerce, and dynastic security were all critical in linking England to developments abroad, and their impact remains evident today. The responses of sixteenth-century Europeans to their Tudor counterparts were varied, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of the relationship between the two continents.

Weight: 654g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750991872