Final answer:
The Malus Intercursus was a trade treaty that allowed Henry VII to enhance English trade by reducing taxes for merchants, demonstrating his preference for diplomacy over warfare to secure economic benefits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Malus Intercursus was a treaty that allowed Henry VII of England considerable advantages in trade with the Duchy of Burgundy. This agreement was one of the numerous diplomatic and economic achievements during the reign of Henry VII, who rather than relying on warfare, focused on establishing stability and strengthening the economy through diplomacy. The Malus Intercursus facilitated English merchants to export goods without paying the heavy taxes that were commonplace in continental trade at the time. It also allowed Henry VII to expand his influence and establish his country as a significant trading power in Europe.
Henry VII’s approach to governance marked a shift from aristocracy-dominated politics to a more centralized monarchy that promoted the interests of the emerging middle class. The peace and stability established by his diplomatic efforts provided the groundwork for future English successes, including overseas exploration, such as the voyages of John Cabot, and the foundation for claims in the New World.
The treaty is a testament to Henry VII's preference for diplomacy over military engagement, underlining his innovative approach to addressing foreign and domestic challenges, which ultimately laid the groundwork for the Tudor dynasty's hold on the English throne.