Chapter 7 - Henry VIII's Character and Aims Flashcards
What was Henry VIII’s character and background like?
- Perceived as being cruel and ruthless (killed his wives, executed Empson and Dudley)
- Well educated, acquainted with humanism and well versed in theology but not outstandingly clever
- Had courage, charm and humour
- Very chivalrous
- Decisive and strong-willed →unwilling to compromise on having his ideas put into action
- Brave and eager to earn reputation through war victories - well equipped to lead troops into battle
What was Henry VIII’s approach to governing like?
- Found political papers and affairs very boring, didn’t handle them very often
- Often intervened with and contradicted his government → lead to poor quality of decision making
- Little to no experience in governing or handling public affairs
- Lacked his father’s work ethic, preferred to spend time with good company
- Relied on chief minister (Wolsey and Cromwell) who shaped the structure of government
Name the 3 phases his government went through.
- Wolsey
- Conciliar
- Cromwell
What happened to the Council Learned?
- The key man was Richard Fox who secured the arrest of Richard Empson and Edmond Dudley –> Henry then had them both executed to distance himself from the stigma, outrage and distrust that was associated with the Council Learned of his fathers’ reign.
- The Council Learned was abolished by an Act of Parliament in January 1510 → many bonds and recognisances were cancelled.
Who was the Duke of Buckingham and what happened to him?
A descendant of King Edward III (like Henry), only English Duke at the start of the reign. Henry was suspicious of him → wrote a letter to Wolsey about him and 4 other nobles.
He was tried for treason by a court of his peers for discussion possible succession after the King’s death → beheaded by the Duke of Norfolk
Name early aims of Henry’s government.
Establishing his status amongst European monarchs through marriage
Re-establishing the role of the nobility
Establishing Henry as a warrior King through success in battle
