James Attitude to Foreign Policy

Felt no hostility towards Spain, provided they did not challenge his succession to the English throne
A new and "foreign" King who needed a broad base of support. Saw advantages in peaceful foreign policy
Peace would avoid financial drain of war
Peace would mean he would not have to go parliament for subsidies
Peace would encourage an atmosphere where trade could develop
"Beati Pacifici" - Blessed are the Peacemakers. Wanted to be a peaceful King
As a peacemaker, James could secure a European role for himself
Crown-Parliament relations
1. Parliament was invariably committed to the Protestant cause in Europe
  1. James attempt to balance out his daughters protestant marriage with his sons catholic one was not welcomed
  2. Fear of a return to Catholicism
2. Any foreign commitment required extraordinary finance that could only be supplied by Parliament
  1. Additional financial burdens were not welcome
  2. Parliament was not likely to vote supplies without some concessions from the crown
    1. Produced debates that challenged royal prerogative after outbreak of 30 years war
3. Foreign policy had the capacity to link key issues such as religion, finance, royal authority

Resource summary

	Created by Katie Difford over 11 years ago