England’s International Relations 1485–1509: Continuities Amidst Change

Henry VII, France and the Holy League of Venice: the diplomacy of balance

“…137 Still, Henry retained his interest in Italian affairs, and at the end of his reign he offered diplomatic assistance to an isolated Venice, facing dismemberment by the League of Cambrai. 138 The Tudor century has traditionally been seen as the formative period for the various strands of England's 'modern' foreign policy, including a balance-of-power diplomacy to keep any one European power from dominating the continent. 139 Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey were involved in various leagues at certain times to counterbalance the influence of France or the imperialists, to further Henry's own plans and ambitions and to enhance his honour in Europe.…”