Henry VIII: character & aims

Question 1

Character of H8

Answer 1

-Succeeded throne 2 months before 18th bday.
-In 7yrs since elder brother, Arthur’s, death, well-educated for role as King.
-Well read, introduced to humanist ideas.
-Charming, agreeable, positive first impression.
-Manner of H8 succession displays astuteness, ruthlessness.
-H7 death concealed 2 days, H8 & old king’s councillors secured position.
-Richard Fox, Thomas Lovell & Richard Weston established selves in power and arranged imprisonment of Dudley & Empson 1st day of new reign - popular move, symbol of end of old ruling.

Question 2

H8’s ways of ruling different to H7

Answer 2

1. Lacked strong work ethic - preferred courtly activities e.g. pageants, sports hunting, tournaments.
2. Little interest in daily govt yet could act decisively when chose.
3. Relied heavily on others - mbers of Council or Chief Minister.

Question 3

H8 character traits

Answer 3

1. Ruthlessness & cynicism - executed Empson & Dudley.
2. Insecurity - willingness to resort to execution for treason often on flimsy excuses.
3. Impulsiveness - speed at which he married Catherine of Aragon, Catherine Howard and execution of Cromwell.

H8 believed in own divine right to rule & conformed to practices of CATHOLIC church.

Question 4

Legacy of H7

Answer 4

-Main legacy = £300,000
-Peaceful kingdom - in which nobility had been checked & Tudor dynasty secured.
-Peaceful foreign policy & efficient govt helped provide stability.

Question 5

Early aims of H8’s govt & foreign policy

Answer 5

1. Establish his status amongst European monarchs through marriage.
2. Re-establish role of nobility.
3. Establish himself as warrior king through success in battle.

Question 6

H8 actions to early aims

Answer 6

-Dismantle unpopular aspects of father’s legacy whilst maintaining stability -> Empson and Dudley executed, CL abolished.
-Establish status among European monarchs through marriage & preserve dynasty (heir) -> Married Catherine of Aragon 1509.
-Support the nobility while preserving strong govt -> Rich nobles’ sons became H8’s personal companions in sport, leisure & war. BUT political influence limited e.g. W dominated as Chief Minister.
-Establish himself as warrior king through success in battle -> Pursued military glory in war with France.

Question 7

Conclusion

Answer 7

-Once position consolidated, aims were LESS clear. Always eager to pursue glory & secure succession, showed little interest in policy making except when affected him personally.
-Lasting effects of reign - growing importance of Parli & plundering of Church wealth arose from circumstances NOT result of clear policy aims.
-In early years, main aims to establish himself as king. For rest of reign, aims changed according to circumstances BUT determination to achieve military glory and to secure succession were recurrent themes.