The Problem of Ireland in Tudor Foreign Policy: 1485-1603

by William Palmer

Overview

Examination of the influence of Irish affairs on English foreign policy under the Tudors.

‘His thesis is simple: English policy in Ireland was shaped to a greater extent than has previously been realized by foreign policy and the power politics of the Counter Reformation... A brief but important book.'CHOICE DrPalmer explores the role of sixteenth-century Ireland in considerable depth, examining how it changed during times of crisis abroad, and how the tensions provoked by the Reformation in England introduced an ideological element into international politics. He shows how the failure of Henry's invasions of Scotland and France in the 1540s led to greater involvement in Ireland by these countries, which in turn led to the entry of more and more English officials into Ireland and the implementation of increasingly aggressive policies. This study thus shows that Tudor rule in Ireland reflected wider international politics, with significant implications.
WILLIAM PALMERis Professor of History at Marshall Universityin Huntington, West Virginia.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780851155623
Publisher:	Boydell & Brewer, Limited
Publication date:	01/12/1995
Pages:	171
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x (d)

Editorial Reviews

A brief but important book. CHOICE A useful contribution to widening the focus of historians from an English to a truly British perspective. Palmer achieves clarity of purpose in straightforward prose. He displays command of the recent literature and has made effectuve use of the STate Papers. AMERICAN HISTORICAL REVIEW This ambitious attempt to reconstruct Ireland's place in the wider context of Tudor policy is effective and convincing.

ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEW

A brief but important book. CHOICE A useful contribution to widening the focus of historians from an English to a truly British perspective. Palmer achieves clarity of purpose in straightforward prose. He displays command of the recent literature and has made effectuve use of the STate Papers. AMERICAN HISTORICAL REVIEW This ambitious attempt to reconstruct Ireland's place in the wider context of Tudor policy is effective and convincing. ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEW

From the Publisher

Contends that the English colonial administration increased taxes and military presence in Ireland during the 1550s and 1560s because of foreign rather than domestic policy concerns. Suggests that in the volatile Counter Reformation period, the English did not fear the Irish lords themselves, but did fear alliances between them and England's Catholic enemies such as France, Spain, and the Papacy, or her Celtic enemies, primarily Scotland. The close coordination between the Tudors' foreign and Irish policies supports the view. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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