8.1 Government in Henry VIII's early/middle years 1509-1540

Question 1

What attitude did Henry have towards government

Answer 1

Henry liked an overview of his government, but was more than happy to allow others to undertake the mundane work for him

Question 2

What caused the change in relations between the Crown and Parliament

Answer 2

Henry’s quest for a male heir

Question 3

What was the nature of Henry VIII’s parliament before the 1530s

Answer 3

In a similar way to how Henry VII’s was

Question 4

What two functions remained in Henry VIII’s parliament

Answer 4

1. Grant extraordinary revenue
2. Pass Laws

The third traditional role of advising the monarch wasn’t used.

Question 5

How many times was parliament called under Wolsey

Answer 5

1 time

Question 6

Before Wolsey how many times was parliament called

Answer 6

3

Question 7

How many times was parliament called under Cromwell and what was special

Answer 7

5 times, 1 time of the Reformation Parliament that was called for several years

Question 8

What had Henry VII done to the nobility

Answer 8

Alienated them, stopping them from pursuing their traditional outlet of military glory

Question 9

How did Henry VIII treat the nobility

Answer 9

Henry VIII shared the tastes and dominant military culture of the aristocracy

Sons of the nobility accompanied Henry in sports and also accompanied him to war in Northern France

Question 10

Why didn’t the nobility achieve the political domination of which Henry VII feared

Answer 10

Because of Wolsey’s presence in court. For example, Wolsey was first to organise the French war.

Question 11

What shows that Henry didn’t completely allow the nobility to overun control

Answer 11

His execution of the Duke of Buckingham. He was the only English Duke and he openly questioned the succession.

Question 12

What was Henry’s aim with foreign policy

Answer 12

To overthrow his fathers foreign policy legacy

Question 13

What did the pursuit of military glory fit well with under Henry VIII

Answer 13

The rehabilitation of the traditional nobility. This led to war with France and this maintained a theme throughout the reign

Question 14

What were some of the celebrated events early on in Henry VIII’s reign

Answer 14

1. Massive victory against the Scottish at the Battle of Flodden
2. Coronation
3. Marriage to Catherine of Aragon

Question 15

Describe the nature of consistency Henry held towards foreign policy

Answer 15

Henry was not consistent with his foreign policy.

Some themes did recur, like his consistent pursuit for military glory and need to secure the succession

But for the most part Henry was uninterested in the business of government and only became involved impulsively

Question 16

How long did the Counciliar government last

Answer 16

1509-1514

Henry recognised that Wolsey could provide the effective management it required

Question 17

What cause the end of Counciliar government in 1514

Answer 17

1. Henry became disenchanted with the reluctance of his fathers councilars to support war in France
2. He became more confident in his decision making abilities
3. Henry reinforced his thoughts of the Old Guard by being with younger men
4. He became impressed by the political acumen of Wolsey

Question 18

Why did Wolsey emerge as the most dominant political figure

Answer 18

Because Wolsey had a strong personal relationship with the king.

Wolsey complimented the King’s ‘hands off’ attitude

Question 19

Before 1519 what was the only area of government not under Wolsey’s control

Answer 19

The Privy Chamber