Final answer:
Henry VII gained power by relying on a royal council composed mostly of men from the middle class, using diplomacy to resolve conflicts, and promoting the interests of the middle class.
Step-by-step explanation:
Henry VII gained power by relying on a royal council composed mostly of men from the middle class, rather than on Parliament. He used diplomacy to resolve conflicts with other nations, avoiding the need to call Parliament into session for funds. He also dealt with nobles by using the Star Chamber and promoting the interests of the middle class. Additionally, during his reign, England made its first exploration voyages, which gave England a claim to the North American mainland.