Henry VII's Second Invasion of Brittany

The policy of Henry VII of England is both to maintain peace and to create economic prosperity.

Up to a point, he succeeds.

He is not a military man and has no interest in trying to regain French territories lost during the reigns of his predecessors; he is therefore ready to conclude a treaty with France at Etaples that brings money into the coffers of England, and ensures the French will not support pretenders to the English throne, such as Perkin Warbeck.

However, this treaty comes at a slight price, as Henry mounts a minor invasion of Brittany in November 1492.

Henry decides to keep Brittany out of French hands, signs an alliance with Spain to this end, and sends seven thousand troops to France.

The confused, fractious nature of Breton politics undermines his efforts, which finally fail after three sizable expeditions, at a cost of £24,000.

However, as France is becoming more concerned with the Italian Wars, the French are happy to agree to the Treaty of Etaples.

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