Edward's Reign Was An Ignominious Failure Essay

‘Foreign policy in Edward’s reign was an ignominious failure’ assess the validity of this view?

Foreign policy in Edward VI’s reign is often regarded as an overall failure for England for many reasons by a number of historians. This period is often split due to the fall from political power of Edward Seymour and John Dudley’s role as Lord president.

The appointed Lord Protector Somerset had to deal with the crumbling legacy of Henry VIII which left him with a number of problems both in England and abroad. Somerset was left with wars against both Scotland and France and couldn't be in two places at once so placed his focus upon Scotland. This could have been for a number of reasons such as to continue the previous King’s war and ultimately

Much to the rest of the Privy members discontent in case of further angering the Spanish, Dudley encouraged the development of new trade links. In 1552, Northumberland approached the London-based Merchant adventurers and proposed a plan and with an investment from the privy council members progression was made. Trade links were made with Ivan IV, the Tsar of Muscovy which lead in 1555 to the modernisation of dockyards in England and the navel forces. They aimed at finding a northeast passage to China to facilitate further trade and even attempts to further trade with Morocco, although these links were later discouraged by Philip of Spain. This was great for both England’s international trade and prestige. At the same time Northumberland has successful in Scotland when an agreement was reached that established the border at the line of what is once was before Henry VIII’s Scottish campaign. The French Observer claimed ‘He was an intelligent man, who could explain his ideas’. This overall aspect of foreign policy is seen as great success during Edward’s