7) the character and aims of Henry VIII Flashcards
What were the characteristics of Henry VIII
Well educated with the new learning of humanism
Historian Eric Ives described Henry at this time as extrovert, affable and charming
What were the views of the people on Henry VIII’s accession to the throne
Welcomed as a breath of fresh air because of the sinister atmosphere associated with the influence of Epsom and Dudley in the last years of Henry VII
Thomas more “the end of our slavery, the fount of a liberty, the end of sadness, the beginning of joy
He had no experience of government or public affairs
What was Henry‘s view of kingship in comparison to his father
Disliked the business of government and found the writing and reading of state papers both tiresome and pain
But could suddenly intervene in government business contradicting decisions or actions that have been taken therefore impacting the quality of decision-making within Henry’s administration
Lacked the work ethic like his father preferring to pass the time with good company enjoying activities such as sports, hunting and tournaments
How did the structure of government evolve to suit Henry VIII
Renewed emphasis on governing through councils - pre-Wolsey, 1529-32, 1548-74
Relied upon the works of chief ministers to shape the structure of government to meet his own needs. The first was Thomas Wolsey using star chamber. The second was Thomas Conwell who developed his role as principal secretary
What was Henry VII’s Legacy for Henry VIII
Money it is believed that Henry left £300,000 upon his death
Unpopular mechanisms of extracting money
A peaceful foreign policy
Conciliar form of government
What happened to the council leaned in the law
Important figures within Henry VII’s Government such as Richard Fox and Thomas Lovell secured the arrest of Epsom in Dudley, Henry was not himself responsible for this action but the subsequent execution was his idea
The council was banished by Parliamentary law
Cancellations of many bonds and recognise answers occurred
What are some of the other ways Henry distanced himself from his fathers reign
Insured his own popularity among the nobility who consider themselves to be victims of his fathers approach to taxation
What were Henry’s key aims in the first year of his reign
To establish his status within European monarchs through marriage
To re-establish the role of the nobility
To establish himself as a warrior king through success in battle
What was the importance of the marriage of Henry to Catherine of Aragon
Henry perhaps believed that Catherine was treated unfairly and wanted to conclude the marriage quickly as possible.
Suited his counsellors who took the view that the marriage for Henry would deflect him from political matters and enable them to conduct conciliar business as usual
Married on 11th June 15 09
Successful on a personal level but she also excised some influence over policy-making in the first few years
By the mid 1520s Henry would regret marriage to a woman who was five years older than he was and who could never give him a male heir
How did Henry re-establish the nobility
Henry VII’s foreign policy denied them there traditional outlet of the pursuit of military glory
Henry VIII enjoyed the tate and dominant military culture of the autocracy
The sons of nobility would partner with Henry in sports
Accompanied Henry to war in northern France
The nobility did not achieve political dominance because Henry chose to promote Thomas Wolsey a church man who organised the war in France on his behalf.
What was Henry‘s foreign policy like
Sought to destroy his father’s foreign policy Legacy
Pursuit of military glory which fitted in closely with the re-establishment of traditional nobility
Led directly to war in France throughout the reign with the results of the same, having vast amounts of money spent for little gains which had little or no strategic significance
Mixed aggression with occasional alliances with the French against Spain and the holy Roman Empire
What was Henry‘s later aims
First five years witnessed celebrated events such as the marriage, coronation and victory over the Scots
The pursuit of glory and the need to secure the succession to the throne were recurring themes.
Gave priority to the pursuit of pleasure over the interest in the business of government
The broadening of the use of statute law to achieve his political end, growing importance of Parliament and the destruction of traditional religion
Henry was ruthless as demonstrated by the treatment of Epsom and Dudley. A treat present throughout his reign, resorting to executions of treason on flimsy charges.
Combined tyranny and insecurity in a way which completely overshadowed his positive qualities witnessed as a young king
Demonstrated impulsiveness throughout the rain particularly to the marriage of Catherine of Aragon and and of Cleves. To the execution of Thomas Cromwell which he regretted
