Henry VII

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Who was Henry VII?

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Henry VII, also known as Henry Tudor, was the first Tudor king of England, reigning from 1485 to 1509.

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How did Henry VII become king?

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Henry VII became king after defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in August 1485, ending the Wars of the Roses.

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What was the significance of the Battle of Bosworth?

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The Battle of Bosworth ended the Wars of the Roses, which had caused instability in England, and marked the beginning of Henry VII's reign.

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Which families were involved in the Wars of the Roses?

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The Wars of the Roses were fought between the families of York and Lancaster.

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How did Henry VII attempt to unite the York and Lancaster families?

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Henry VII married Elizabeth of York to bring the York and Lancaster families closer together.

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What challenges did Henry VII face from the York family?

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The York family remained a threat as they did not recognize their defeat in the Wars of the Roses and opposed a Lancaster king.

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What was the main problem Henry VII identified upon becoming king?

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Henry VII identified the powerful barons of England, who were rich and had private armies, as the main problem.

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What was Henry VII's strategy to control the barons?

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Henry VII's strategy included banning private armies, heavily taxing the barons, and using the Court of Star Chamber to punish disobedient barons.

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Why did Henry VII take a keen interest in financial matters?

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Henry VII believed that a wealthy king was a strong king, and financial resources would help expand his army and maintain power over the barons.

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What was Henry VII's foreign policy regarding his son Arthur?

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Henry VII arranged for his eldest son, Arthur, to marry Catherine of Aragon, a Spanish princess, to develop better foreign relations.