8. Henry VIII- the character and aims

Question 1

explain the character of HenryVIII?

Answer 1

-succeeded April 1509, at 17
-he was well read and had been introduced to humanist ideas
-charming and produced a positive first impression
-his succession showed astuteness as his death was concealed for 2 days while the councillors secured his position with Richard Fox, Thomas Lovell and Richard Weston establishing themselves into power and agreeing on the imprisonment of Dudley and Empson= popular move which represented the end to the old ways of ruling
-ruthless =execution of Dudley and Empson
-insecure= willingness to resort to execution for treason
impulsive= the speed he married Catherine of A + Anne B
-believed in his own divine right to rule

Question 2

how was HenryVIII’s ruling different to his fathers?

Answer 2

• he lacked strong work ethic enjoying courtly activities eg. pageants and tournaments
• little interest in the daily business of government
• relied heavily on others eg. members of council and heavily on Wolsey and later Cromwell

Question 3

explain the legacy of Henry VII?

Answer 3

• main legacy was to his son was £300,000
• a peaceful kingdom in which the nobles had been dealt with and tudor dynasty secured
• some of his methods of rainsing revenue were unpopular ways of raising money eg. bonds and R

Question 4

explain the aims of Henry VIII government?

Answer 4

• establish himself and preserve what his father had left him
• agreed he would his honour to marry Catherine of Aragon since Arthur’s death in 1502 (he delayed the marriage until he could ensure it would bring a diplomatic advantage to England)
• Henry wanted to be an imperial king and keen to promote his monarchy