Editing Thomas Wolsey (section)

===War with France===
The [[Anglo-French War (1512–14)]] gave Wolsey a significant opportunity to demonstrate his talents in foreign policy. A convenient justification for going to war came in 1511 in the form of a plea for help from [[Pope Julius II]], who was beginning to feel threatened by France. England formed an alliance with Julius, King [[Ferdinand II of Aragon]], and [[Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor]] against King [[Louis XII of France]].{{sfn|Scarisbrick|1968|pp=31–36}}

The first English campaign against France proved unsuccessful, partly due to the unreliability of the alliance with Ferdinand. Henry learned from the mistakes of the campaign and in 1513, still with papal support, launched a joint attack on France with Maximilian, successfully [[battle of Guinegate (1513)|capturing two French cities]] and causing the French to retreat. Wolsey's ability to keep a large number of troops supplied and equipped for the duration of the war proved a major factor in the English success. He also had a key role in negotiating the Anglo-French treaty of 7 August 1514, which secured a temporary peace between the two nations. Under this treaty, [[Louis XII]] would marry Henry's young sister, [[Mary Tudor, Queen of France|Mary]]. In addition England was able to keep the captured city of [[Tournai]] and secure an increase in the annual pension France paid.{{sfn|Mackie|1952|pp=271–277}}

Meanwhile, a turnover of rulers in Europe threatened to diminish England's influence. With Henry's sister, Mary, married to Louis XII on 9 October 1514, an alliance was formed, but Louis was not in good health. Less than three months later, he died and was succeeded by the young and ambitious [[Francis I of France|Francis I]].

Queen Mary had allegedly secured a promise from Henry that if Louis died, she could marry whomever she pleased.{{sfn|Harris|1989|pp=59–88}} Following Louis's death, she secretly married Suffolk, with Francis I's assistance, which prevented another marriage alliance. As Mary was the only princess Henry could use to secure marriage alliances, this was a bitter blow. Wolsey then proposed an alliance with Spain and the [[Holy Roman Empire]] against France.