Henry VIII Flashcards
How can it be argued that there was little change in the structure and governance of the church under Henry VIII?
Bishops remained in post and essential- spiritual jurisdiction remained with them.
Henry inherited a church that was already erastian in nature: so by the end of his reign there was still the same amount of crown control over church matters.
How can it be argued that there was in fact significant change in government and structure of the church?
1534: Act of supremacy, removal of the Pope- enormous change.
Administrative changes: Monasteries dissolved, 6 new diocese, Annates paid to the monarch instead of the church.
Church became less independent from the state: Formal submission of the Clergy 1532- surrendering the Church’s independent functions, Cromwell became a Vicegerent- more important than Bishops.
How can it be argued that the doctrine of the church under Henry VIII didn’t undergo significant change?
1536: 10 Articles Act. This was ambiguous, and confession remained.
Reaffirmed catholicism through the 1537 Bishops book, reintroduced the 4 sacraments.
1539: Six articles reasserted the Catholic doctrine including Transubstantiation, making it heretical to deny it. Included confession and masses.
What evidence is there for change in the doctrine of the church under Henry VIII?
1536: 10 Articles- 3 sacraments for salvation and reduced the role of Saints.
How can it be argued that the practise of the church was not changed significantly?
Henry did little to change people’s experience of the church: Church services in Latin, Music remained fundamental, Icons, images and altars remained, kneeling remained important.
Reading of the bible was restricted to the upper classes.
How can it be argued that the practise of the church was significantly changed under Henry VIII?
1538: Every parish church required to have a copy of the English Bible.
1539: Great Bible published.
Injunctions condemning pilgrimages and worshipping of relics in 1536 and 38.
Dissolution of monasteries removed key social functions previously provided by the church.
How can it be argued that Henry VIII’s economy was weak?
- Trade
- Industry
- Society
- An increasing amount of cloth was being exported through London which had detrimental effects on smaller port towns.
- Textile jobs were unstable and badly paid, as shown by the amount of people who were unable to afford the amicable grant.
- Mass inflation in the second half of Henry’s reign- Food prices doubled and wages failed to keep up.
How was Henry’s economy strong?
- Scope
- Society
- Rise in cloth exports, woolen cloth exports doubled under Henry.
- Rise in exports of hide and tin, therefore less reliance on the cloth trade.
- Short trading boom with Venice.
- Increased imports of wine suggests some were doing well.
- Growth in mining industries.
What evidence is there for Henry’s military glory?
At the start of his reign;
- 1513: Battle of Spurs, capture of Tournai and Therouanne.
- 1513: Battle of Flooden, James V and the majority of the Scottish nobility killed.
How can it be argued the Henry’s military glory was not evident?
Only military glory was at the start of the reign. These victories were exaggerated, Battle of Sours was used as Propaganda to the English people whilst international powers were fully aware of its insignificance.
Failure of the join invasion of France in 1525 when the Emperor pulled out and made separate peace. Shows the significant weakness in Europe.
How did Henry achieve security in his foreign policy?
Even though he had frustrated catholic powers, with the Pope issuing a Papal Bull in 1538, by maintaining a defensive foreign policy he was able to avoid catholic retaliation.
How can it be argued that Henry failed to gain security through his foreign policy?
His foreign policy in the 40s severely threatened the nation:
- 1545 France invades the Isle of White, Mary Rose sinks in the Solent. Proximity suggests isolation.
- France sends troops to Scotland to reinforce; increased threat of Scottish invasion.
- The English were defeated at the Battle of Ancrum Moor
How can it be argued that Henry did gain consolidation of the Tudor dynasty?
Acknowledgement of dynasty through marriage alliances:
- Henry’s younger sister married to Louis XII in 1514.
- His own marriage to Anne of Cleves in 1540 led to better relations with the league of Schmalkalden.
-1518 Treaty of London made England the hub for European politics.
How can it be argued that Henry failed to consolidate the Tudor dynasty?
Marriage alliances were short term consolidation:
- Death of Louis XII in 1515.
- Marriage to Anne of Cleves rapidly dissolved.
Failure to solve his great matter quickly led to significant tension with Catholic powers. Support of the League of Cognac led to animosity with HRE and lessened the chance of an annulment.
What were some of the main results of the dissolution of monasteries?
- Economic
- Social
- The king and the ruling elites made money out of it, It is estimated that income from the church was £100,000 a year, and therefore that Henry’s income had doubled.
- Led to the pilgrimage of Grace.
