'The establishment of Henry Vll's authority between 1485-1509 was due to his financial policies'. Explain why you agree or disagree with this statement.

Henry Vll came to power in 1485 following his victory against Richard lll at the Battle of Bosworth Field. As a proclaimed 'illegitimate' King ascending to power following the tumultuous Wars of the Roses, Henry's position was fragile. In his efforts to assert monarchical authority, Henry enforced numerous strategic policies. In terms of finance, he renewed or established trade deals with foreign polities (such as Spain and Burgundy), increased the efficiency of traditional forms of revenue (crown lands) and also extracted money through taxation and bonds from the nobility - an abundance of wealth meant more military resources. However, this was not the sole cause for his growing authority. As demonstrated by the preceding civil war, control over the nobility was fundamental to a King's authority to prevent dissent, and thus, it was arguably aristocratic submission that proved quintessential for Henry's control. This control came through the medium of a 'carrot and stick' policy, rewarding those nobles who supported Henry whilst punishing those who opposed him. Therefore, the establishment of Henry Vll's authority was resultant of his control over the nobility, which itself was corroborated through financial and other policies that furthered his control. A major component in Henry's financial policies centred around foreign trade deals which served to increase his authority. The Treaty of Medina del Campo (signed 1489) augmented trade relations between England and Spain, subsequently increasing Henry's customs revenue from £29,000 to £40,000 pa. during his reign. Moreover, the Magnus Intercursus deal signed with Burgundy in 1496 increased England's cloth exports by 80%, whilst the Treaty of Etaples with France accorded Henry a 745,000 crowns pension as reparations for the war against Brittany. Domestically, Henry increased the efficiency of crown land revenues through taxation/tenancy reforms, increasing this revenue from £29,000 to £42,000 pa. between 1485 and 1507. Evidently, Henry was assiduous in assuring that his reforms entailed some grant of revenue. The importance of generating revenue comes in the form of military capability; More money allows for more retainers, a greater abundance of weaponry and defences, and also entices the nobility to support the monarch in the hopes of gaining patronage (whether this be through land, financial grants or titles). As mentioned, controlling the nobility was essential as they had private armies (retinues) and could thus march against the King. By increasing his personal revenue, Henry could increase the odds of victory, either through greater numbers/superior weaponry, or through enticing the nobility to his side through patronage. Therefore, it is plausible to suggest Henry's financial policies allowed the establishment of his authority during his reign.I would then go on to refute this argument through the examination and analysis of other policies:First, looking at his control over the nobility through the carrot and stick policy and its by-products (i.e, wealth, legitimacy etc)Gaining legitimacy and thus a more secure claim to the throne through international recognition (treaties), marriage to Elizabeth of York, marriage of his children to Scotland, Spain...The extirpation of rebellions.Conclusion, summarising how all of these other policies suggest it was not just Henry's financial policies that precipitated the establishment of authority.