Character And Aims Flashcards
What was the nobility’s reason for rejoicing at Henry VIII’s accession?
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.
What is meant by the claim that laws ‘now happily have regained their proper authority’?
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.
Describe Henry VIII’s initial approach to governance.
Henry VIII had no experience in government and found administrative tasks tedious
His lack of experience raised concerns about his ability to rule effectively.
What sentiment did Sir Thomas More express about Henry VIII’s coronation?
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.
True or False: Henry VIII’s reign was characterized by a comprehensive deception practiced for political purposes.
True
This indicates the manipulative political environment surrounding his accession.
Fill in the blank: Henry VIII’s version of kingship differed markedly from that of his _______.
father
This highlights the contrasting styles of leadership between Henry VIII and Henry VII.
What was the public perception of court officials Empson and Dudley at the end of Henry VII’s reign?
They were seen as agents of oppression rather than victims
This perception contributed to the welcoming of Henry VIII’s rule.
List the groups that were described as equally happy at Henry VIII’s accession.
- Nobility
- Merchants
- Common people
This illustrates the widespread relief and optimism felt across different social classes.
What activities did Henry VIII enjoy that were mentioned in the text?
Hunting and tournaments
These activities reflect his personal interests and lifestyle.
Who became the royal almoner upon Henry VIII’s accession?
Thomas Wolsey
Wolsey distributed money as charity to the needy on behalf of the king.
What were the two periods during Henry VIII’s reign when he relied on a chief minister?
1529-32, 1540-47
These periods saw significant changes in the structure of government.
Which chief minister was particularly adept at using the Star Chamber?
Thomas Wolsey
Wolsey’s skills in governance allowed him to shape the structures of government.
What role did Thomas Cromwell develop during Henry VIII’s reign?
Principal secretary
Cromwell played a key role in shaping the government’s structures to meet the king’s needs.
How did Henry VIII’s approach to government differ from that of Henry VII?
Less direct engagement with government business
This led to a different evolution of the government’s structure.
What was emphasized in the short term during Henry VIII’s reign regarding governance?
Governing through council
This method made two comebacks at later stages of his reign.
What notable positions did Thomas Wolsey achieve by 1515?
- Archbishop of York
- Cardinal
- Lord Chancellor
His rapid rise was due to his organizational abilities and loyalty to Henry VIII.
True or False: Thomas Wolsey was merely the mouthpiece of King Henry VIII.
False
Wolsey was skilled at presenting the king’s case and was influential in his own right.
What activities did Henry VIII engage in during his youth?
Hunting and tournaments
These activities were significant in shaping his character and interests.
Fill in the blank: Henry VIII spent much of his youth at _______ where he learned to joust magnificently.
tilt yards
Tilt yards were venues for jousting tournaments, a popular sport of the time.
What skills did Thomas Wolsey possess that helped him gain influence?
Intelligence and articulacy
These qualities allowed him to effectively present the king’s interests.
What was the King’s Great Matter?
The annulment of Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon
It was considered a virtually impossible task.
What were the four main aspects of Henry VIII’s legacy from his father?
- Money (around €300,000)
- Unpopular mechanisms for extracting money
- Peaceful foreign policy
- Conciliar form of government
What happened to the money Henry VIII inherited from his father?
It vanished due to paying for a revival of aggressive foreign policy towards France.
Who emerged as the focus of government during the early years of Henry VIII’s reign?
Thomas Wolsey
What significant action did Richard Fox, Sir Thomas Lovell, and Richard Weston take?
They secured the arrest of Richard Empson and Edmond Dudley.
True or False: Henry VIII was responsible for the arrest of Empson and Dudley.
False
What happened to the Council Learned in the Law in January 1510?
It was abolished by Act of Parliament.
Fill in the blank: The cancellation of many bonds and recognisances imposed by the Council Learned contributed to Henry’s _______.
popularity among the nobility and propertied classes
What was one consequence of the executions of Empson and Dudley?
Henry distanced himself from his father’s regime.
What was the primary focus of Henry VIII’s foreign policy initially?
A revival of aggressive policy towards France.
What type of government did Henry VII implement that Henry VIII initially inherited?
Conciliar form of government
What was a major characteristic of Henry VII’s financial policies?
Use of unpopular mechanisms for extracting money.
What was the effect of the abolition of the Council Learned on Henry VIII’s popularity?
It increased his popularity among the nobility and propertied classes.
List two key advisors of Henry VII mentioned in the text.
- Empson
- Dudley
What was the role of the Council Learned in the Law?
To impose bonds and recognizances on individuals.
What were Henry VIII’s key aims in the first years of his reign?
- 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.
When did Henry VIII marry Catherine of Aragon?
11 June 1509
This marriage was significant as it linked Henry to the Spanish royal family and was intended to strengthen his political alliances.
What influence did Catherine of Aragon have in the early years of her marriage to Henry VIII?
Catherine exercised some influence over policy making.
This suggests that she was an active participant in governance during the initial years of her marriage.
Why did Henry VIII regret his marriage to Catherine of Aragon by the mid-1520s?
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.
How did Henry VIII’s approach to the nobility differ from that of Henry VII?
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.
Who did Henry VIII promote over the interests of the nobility?
Thomas Wolsey
Wolsey’s rise to power indicated Henry’s preference for capable advisors over traditional noble influence.
What was the fate of the Duke of Buckingham in 1521?
He was executed by Henry VIII.
This execution reflected Henry’s ruthlessness and suspicion towards the nobility.
What relationship did the Duke of Buckingham have with Henry VIII?
Both were descendants of King Edward III.
This familial connection heightened Henry’s suspicion of Buckingham’s ambitions.
What were the circumstances surrounding Catherine of Aragon’s restricted environment at court?
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.
Fill in the blank: Henry VIII aimed to establish himself as a _______ king through success in battle.
[warrior]
This ambition was part of his strategy to gain respect and legitimacy among European monarchs.
Who was Thomas Howard?
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.
What significant victory did Thomas Howard achieve?
He led the victorious English army at the Battle of Flodden against Scotland.
This victory contributed to his promotion to the Duchy of Norfolk.
How did Henry VIII’s foreign policy change during his reign?
Henry VIII’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.
What was a key theme of Henry VIII’s reign?
The pursuit of glory and the need to secure the succession to the throne.
These themes were recurrent but not consistently prioritized.
What impact did Henry VIII have on the use of state law?
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.
What were the consequences of Henry VIII’s break with Rome?
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.
True or False: Henry VIII consistently prioritized the business of government throughout his reign.
False.
He often prioritized pleasure over governance.
What characterized Henry VIII’s treatment of political opponents?
Ruthlessness and cynicism, often resorting to execution for treason on flimsy charges.
This contributed to a climate of tyranny and insecurity.
Fill in the blank: Henry VIII’s impulsiveness was evident in his speed of marriage to _______.
Catherine of Aragon.
What was a notable consequence of Henry VIII’s impulsiveness in decision-making?
His impulsive decision to execute Thomas Cromwell.
This exemplified the potential dangers of his rash choices.
What does the term ‘attainted’ refer to in the context of Thomas Howard?
The legal status of being deprived of rights and property due to treason.
What was a significant military engagement during Henry VIII’s reign?
The Battle of Flodden.
How did Henry VIII’s reign affect Parliament?
It increased the importance of Parliament in governance.
This was partly due to the legislative changes enacted during his reign.
