The Threat of France

This section explains the threat of France to Elizabeth I’s rule. France posed a significant potential threat to Elizabeth I’s reign, primarily due to historical grievances and their support for Mary, Queen of Scots. However, the relationship between the two nations evolved over Elizabeth’s reign, shifting from hostility to cautious cooperation.

Elizabeth Inherits a Bad Relationship with France

Elizabeth came to the throne in 1558 with England in a precarious position regarding France.

• The Loss of Calais:
  During the reign of Elizabeth’s predecessor, Queen Mary I, England had been allied with Spain in a conflict against France. This alliance led to England’s disastrous loss of Calais, its last remaining territory on the French mainland, in 1558.
  • Calais had been under English control for over 200 years and was strategically important for trade and defence.
  • Its loss left England exposed to potential attacks from France, as the French now controlled the entire northern coastline.
• Tensions with Spain and France:
  Mary’s anti-French policies had further strained relations. France remained a powerful Catholic nation, and Elizabeth’s Protestant government increased religious divisions.

France’s Support for Mary, Queen of Scots

France’s ties to Mary, Queen of Scots, heightened the threat to Elizabeth:

• Mary’s French Connections:
  Mary had strong ties to France. She was married to Francis II, the French king, until his death in 1560. As Queen of both Scotland and France, Mary was a symbol of Catholic resistance to Elizabeth’s Protestant rule.
  • After Francis’s death, Mary returned to Scotland, but France continued to support her claim to the English throne.
• Elizabeth’s Concerns About Retaliation:
  Elizabeth’s decision to execute Mary in 1587 was not taken lightly, partly due to fears that France might retaliate. However, internal issues within France reduced the likelihood of immediate conflict.

The French Civil War and Improved Relations

Elizabeth’s reign coincided with a period of internal strife in France, which ultimately worked in her favour:

• French Civil War (1562–1598):
  France was engulfed in a brutal conflict between Catholics and Protestants (Huguenots). The civil war distracted France from external affairs, including potential conflicts with England.
  • The French king and his government were too preoccupied with domestic turmoil to pose a significant threat to Elizabeth’s rule.
• Elizabeth’s Diplomatic Efforts:
  Elizabeth capitalised on this period of French instability to improve relations:
  • She provided limited support to the Huguenots, partly to weaken Catholic dominance in France.
  • The execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, surprisingly, did not sour relations, as France was focused on resolving its internal divisions.

Negotiations with the Duke of Alençon

To solidify the improved relationship between England and France, Elizabeth pursued a diplomatic marriage alliance:

• François, Duke of Alençon:
  Elizabeth began marriage negotiations with François, the Duke of Alençon (later Duke of Anjou), the younger brother of King Henry III of France.
  • The match was seen as a way to strengthen ties between the two nations and ensure France remained neutral.
  • However, the negotiations ultimately came to nothing, partly due to Elizabeth’s hesitance and public opposition to the match.

Despite the failure of the marriage talks, the gesture helped maintain a working relationship between the two nations.

Conclusion

While France initially posed a significant threat to Elizabeth’s rule due to its Catholic allegiance, territorial claims, and support for Mary, Queen of Scots, the relationship improved over time. The French Civil War played a key role in reducing tensions, as it shifted France’s focus inward. By the end of Elizabeth’s reign, France and England were on relatively good terms, with both nations benefitting from their mutual peace.