"English Intervention in the French Religious Wars 1562-1598" Topic

unusual topic
Elizabeth's French Wars 1562-1598 English Intervention in the French Wars of Religion

William Heap
Unicorn Publishing
352 pages | 30 color plates illustrations | 7 x 9
17,8 x 2,5 x 24,8 cm

The aim of this study is to establish the scale and importance of English intervention during the French Wars of Religion of the late sixteenth century. The author looks at why and how Elizabeth I intervened, and what were the consequences of this intervention. He examines how the natural enemy became an ally and how relations between Elizabeth and three French kings were frequently at the heart of grand strategy. Elizabeth s sword of intervention was double-edged: both benevolent and exploitative. She hoped to aid the Huguenots while recovering England s lost French territories. Later, her intervention became a method of keeping hostilities with Spain away from English shores. Many believed intervention was necessary to protect the continuation of English trade with Europe. England became the arsenal of first Huguenot, then royalist France. The author measures, for the first time, the scale of provision of matériel de guerre. He examines the role of economic and monetary questions and shows how England effectively kickstarted and perpetuated the wars. The emphasis is placed on military history, focusing on the involvement of English armies at Le Havre (1562 63), Rouen (1591), Crozon (1594) and Amiens (1597). Exploiting much previously untouched material from English and French libraries and archives, the author s research reveals the real strategy and tactics of Henri IV, allowing a re-evaluation of this military leader.

All About History
"Thoughts of war during the reign of Elizabeth I tend to conjure images of the Armada, of ships amassing, of the winds changing. William Heap's study of English intervention in the French wars of religion introduces a different perspective, focusing on military history and providing a thorough analysis of the subject at hand. . . . The narrative is richly supported by images, tables and timelines. This is a detailed and visual history. . . . In short, the examination of strategy, supply and other matters in Elizabeth's French Wars means it will certainly appeal to those interested in military history. However, it may also find readers among those who have previously studied other aspects of Gloriana's life, and now wish to see a new side to her reign."

It's an interesting book, that invites for a deep-dive in Elizabethan military history. And into Henrican military history as well (nothing is unconnected of course)!