Character And Aims

Question 1

What was the nobility’s reason for rejoicing at Henry VIII’s accession?

Answer 1

They had ‘proper reason’ for rejoicing due to the end of oppression by previous rulers

This reflects the shift in power dynamics and the hope for better governance under Henry VIII.

Question 2

What is meant by the claim that laws ‘now happily have regained their proper authority’?

Answer 2

Laws that were previously ineffective or misused are now respected and enforced properly

This suggests a restoration of justice and order under the new king.

Question 3

Describe Henry VIII’s initial approach to governance.

Answer 3

Henry VIII had no experience in government and found administrative tasks tedious

His lack of experience raised concerns about his ability to rule effectively.

Question 4

What sentiment did Sir Thomas More express about Henry VIII’s coronation?

Answer 4

He viewed it as the end of slavery and the beginning of joy for the people

This reflects the optimism surrounding Henry VIII’s rule compared to his father’s.

Question 5

True or False: Henry VIII’s reign was characterized by a comprehensive deception practiced for political purposes.

Answer 5

True

This indicates the manipulative political environment surrounding his accession.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: Henry VIII’s version of kingship differed markedly from that of his _______.

Answer 6

father

This highlights the contrasting styles of leadership between Henry VIII and Henry VII.

Question 7

What was the public perception of court officials Empson and Dudley at the end of Henry VII’s reign?

Answer 7

They were seen as agents of oppression rather than victims

This perception contributed to the welcoming of Henry VIII’s rule.

Question 8

List the groups that were described as equally happy at Henry VIII’s accession.

Answer 8

• Nobility
• Merchants
• Common people

This illustrates the widespread relief and optimism felt across different social classes.

Question 9

What activities did Henry VIII enjoy that were mentioned in the text?

Answer 9

Hunting and tournaments

These activities reflect his personal interests and lifestyle.

Question 10

Who became the royal almoner upon Henry VIII’s accession?

Answer 10

Thomas Wolsey

Wolsey distributed money as charity to the needy on behalf of the king.

Question 11

What were the two periods during Henry VIII’s reign when he relied on a chief minister?

Answer 11

1529-32, 1540-47

These periods saw significant changes in the structure of government.

Question 12

Which chief minister was particularly adept at using the Star Chamber?

Answer 12

Thomas Wolsey

Wolsey’s skills in governance allowed him to shape the structures of government.

Question 13

What role did Thomas Cromwell develop during Henry VIII’s reign?

Answer 13

Principal secretary

Cromwell played a key role in shaping the government’s structures to meet the king’s needs.

Question 14

How did Henry VIII’s approach to government differ from that of Henry VII?

Answer 14

Less direct engagement with government business

This led to a different evolution of the government’s structure.

Question 15

What was emphasized in the short term during Henry VIII’s reign regarding governance?

Answer 15

Governing through council

This method made two comebacks at later stages of his reign.

Question 16

What notable positions did Thomas Wolsey achieve by 1515?

Answer 16

• Archbishop of York
• Cardinal
• Lord Chancellor

His rapid rise was due to his organizational abilities and loyalty to Henry VIII.

Question 17

True or False: Thomas Wolsey was merely the mouthpiece of King Henry VIII.

Answer 17

False

Wolsey was skilled at presenting the king’s case and was influential in his own right.

Question 18

What activities did Henry VIII engage in during his youth?

Answer 18

Hunting and tournaments

These activities were significant in shaping his character and interests.

Question 19

Fill in the blank: Henry VIII spent much of his youth at _______ where he learned to joust magnificently.

Answer 19

tilt yards

Tilt yards were venues for jousting tournaments, a popular sport of the time.

Question 20

What skills did Thomas Wolsey possess that helped him gain influence?

Answer 20

Intelligence and articulacy

These qualities allowed him to effectively present the king’s interests.

Question 21

What was the King’s Great Matter?

Answer 21

The annulment of Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon

It was considered a virtually impossible task.

Question 22

What were the four main aspects of Henry VIII’s legacy from his father?

Answer 22

• Money (around €300,000)
• Unpopular mechanisms for extracting money
• Peaceful foreign policy
• Conciliar form of government

Question 23

What happened to the money Henry VIII inherited from his father?

Answer 23

It vanished due to paying for a revival of aggressive foreign policy towards France.

Question 24

Who emerged as the focus of government during the early years of Henry VIII’s reign?

Answer 24

Thomas Wolsey

Question 25

What significant action did Richard Fox, Sir Thomas Lovell, and Richard Weston take?

Answer 25

They secured the arrest of Richard Empson and Edmond Dudley.

Question 26

True or False: Henry VIII was responsible for the arrest of Empson and Dudley.

Answer 26

False

Question 27

What happened to the Council Learned in the Law in January 1510?

Answer 27

It was abolished by Act of Parliament.

Question 28

Fill in the blank: The cancellation of many bonds and recognisances imposed by the Council Learned contributed to Henry’s _______.

Answer 28

popularity among the nobility and propertied classes

Question 29

What was one consequence of the executions of Empson and Dudley?

Answer 29

Henry distanced himself from his father’s regime.

Question 30

What was the primary focus of Henry VIII’s foreign policy initially?

Answer 30

A revival of aggressive policy towards France.

Question 31

What type of government did Henry VII implement that Henry VIII initially inherited?

Answer 31

Conciliar form of government

Question 32

What was a major characteristic of Henry VII’s financial policies?

Answer 32

Use of unpopular mechanisms for extracting money.

Question 33

What was the effect of the abolition of the Council Learned on Henry VIII’s popularity?

Answer 33

It increased his popularity among the nobility and propertied classes.

Question 34

List two key advisors of Henry VII mentioned in the text.

Answer 34

• Empson
• Dudley

Question 35

What was the role of the Council Learned in the Law?

Answer 35

To impose bonds and recognizances on individuals.

Question 36

What were Henry VIII’s key aims in the first years of his reign?

Answer 36

• To re-establish the role of the nobility
• To establish his status among European monarchs through marriage
• To establish himself as a warrior king through success in battle

These aims reflect Henry’s desire to consolidate power and enhance his position both domestically and internationally.

Question 37

When did Henry VIII marry Catherine of Aragon?

Answer 37

11 June 1509

This marriage was significant as it linked Henry to the Spanish royal family and was intended to strengthen his political alliances.

Question 38

What influence did Catherine of Aragon have in the early years of her marriage to Henry VIII?

Answer 38

Catherine exercised some influence over policy making.

This suggests that she was an active participant in governance during the initial years of her marriage.

Question 39

Why did Henry VIII regret his marriage to Catherine of Aragon by the mid-1520s?

Answer 39

Catherine could never present him with a healthy male heir.

This regret was pivotal in Henry’s later actions regarding the annulment of the marriage.

Question 40

How did Henry VIII’s approach to the nobility differ from that of Henry VII?

Answer 40

Henry VIII re-established the nobility’s influence, unlike Henry VII who largely excluded them from political power.

This shift marked a change in governance style and the role of the aristocracy.

Question 41

Who did Henry VIII promote over the interests of the nobility?

Answer 41

Thomas Wolsey

Wolsey’s rise to power indicated Henry’s preference for capable advisors over traditional noble influence.

Question 42

What was the fate of the Duke of Buckingham in 1521?

Answer 42

He was executed by Henry VIII.

This execution reflected Henry’s ruthlessness and suspicion towards the nobility.

Question 43

What relationship did the Duke of Buckingham have with Henry VIII?

Answer 43

Both were descendants of King Edward III.

This familial connection heightened Henry’s suspicion of Buckingham’s ambitions.

Question 44

What were the circumstances surrounding Catherine of Aragon’s restricted environment at court?

Answer 44

She was kept in a restricted environment after the death of her mother, Isabella of Castile, in 1504.

Catherine’s treatment at court highlights the political maneuvering surrounding her marriage to Henry.

Question 45

Fill in the blank: Henry VIII aimed to establish himself as a _______ king through success in battle.

Answer 45

[warrior]

This ambition was part of his strategy to gain respect and legitimacy among European monarchs.

Question 46

Who was Thomas Howard?

Answer 46

Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey and second Duke of Norfolk, came from a distinguished Yorkist family and fought for Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth.

He was imprisoned and attainted for treason but later restored to his title.

Question 47

What significant victory did Thomas Howard achieve?

Answer 47

He led the victorious English army at the Battle of Flodden against Scotland.

This victory contributed to his promotion to the Duchy of Norfolk.

Question 48

How did Henry VII’s foreign policy change during his reign?

Answer 48

Henry VII’s foreign policy was characterized by occasional alliances and military engagements, particularly with France and the Holy Roman Empire.

The policy aimed to secure England’s position and avoid costly wars.

Question 49

What was a key theme of Henry VIII’s reign?

Answer 49

The pursuit of glory and the need to secure the succession to the throne.

These themes were recurrent but not consistently prioritized.

Question 50

What impact did Henry VIII have on the use of state law?

Answer 50

He broadened the use of state law (Acts of Parliament) to achieve his political ends.

This marked a significant shift in the role of Parliament.

Question 51

What were the consequences of Henry VIII’s break with Rome?

Answer 51

The break with Rome led to the destruction of traditional religion and the plundering of much of the Church’s wealth.

These changes had lasting effects on English society and governance.

Question 52

True or False: Henry VIII consistently prioritized the business of government throughout his reign.

Answer 52

False.

He often prioritized pleasure over governance.

Question 53

What characterized Henry VIII’s treatment of political opponents?

Answer 53

Ruthlessness and cynicism, often resorting to execution for treason on flimsy charges.

This contributed to a climate of tyranny and insecurity.

Question 54

Fill in the blank: Henry VIII’s impulsiveness was evident in his speed of marriage to _______.

Answer 54

Catherine of Aragon.

Question 55

What was a notable consequence of Henry VIII’s impulsiveness in decision-making?

Answer 55

His impulsive decision to execute Thomas Cromwell.

This exemplified the potential dangers of his rash choices.

Question 56

What does the term ‘attainted’ refer to in the context of Thomas Howard?

Answer 56

The legal status of being deprived of rights and property due to treason.

Question 57

What was a significant military engagement during Henry VII’s reign?

Answer 57

The Battle of Flodden.

Question 58

How did Henry VIII’s reign affect Parliament?

Answer 58

It increased the importance of Parliament in governance.

This was partly due to the legislative changes enacted during his reign.