Consolidation of Henry VII's Power 1485-1509

CONSOLIDATION OF HENRY VII'S POWER 1485-1509

Short Term

WEAKNESSES

STRENGTHS

• Usurper – only weak claim to throne.

• Yorkist princes with better claim to throne – both nephews of Ed IV.

• Little support from nobility in England.

• 3 of last 4 kings were violently overthrown during War of Roses.

• No formal kingship training.

• Spent most of life in Brittany – didn't understand English government well.

• Married Elizabeth of York; quickly had son – gained support of Yorkist with satisfactory heir.

• Support from Lancastrians since Henry VI's line had died out.

• Richard's only son died in 1484.

• He didn't use great noblemen to claim throne so he didn't owe anybody and wouldn't face revolts from people he falsely believed loyal (IE. Richard III faced Buckingham rebellion)

• no over-mighty noblemen who might have revolted – all previous strong nobles had dead and Henry inherited their lands.

• No brothers; only 1 uncle.

• …