Henry VIII: Government - Ministers - Cromwell's Fall Flashcards
1
Q
List factors that contributed to Cromwell’s fall
A
- Cromwell’s mistakes
- Rival factions at court
- Cromwell’s religious beliefs
2
Q
Describe Cromwell’s position prior to the Anne of Cleves marriage
A
- Cromwell was well in control after execution of Anne Boleyn and Henry’s marriage to Jane Seymour
3
Q
What opportunities did Seymour’s death bring?
A
- Jane Seymour died in October 1537 from complications after childbirth
- Gave Cromwell and Protestant reformers a chance to encourage a foreign Protestant marriage
- France and Spain signed a truce in 1538 bringing insecurity - Protestant alliance would provide stability
4
Q
Who did Cromwell pair Henry with and what was the outcome?
A
- Anne of Cleves
- Cromwell misinformed about Anne of Cleves’ appearance
- Henry disliked her when she came to England in 1539 and demanded marriage should be cancelled
- Too late to be cancelled, but marriage was annulled in 1540
5
Q
How did the Anne of Cleves fiasco affect relations between Cromwell and Henry?
A
- Weakened them
- Henry already becoming unhappy with Cromwell’s religious changes
- However in early 1540, Cromwell was made Earl of Essex
- Huge promotion for man with no connections to nobility
- Cromwell still in favour
6
Q
Describe the Duke of Norfolk’s relationship with Cromwell
A
- Duke of Norfolk was Cromwell’s bitterest rival on the Privy Council
7
Q
How did the Norfolk faction take advantage of the collapse of the Cleves marriage?
A
- Henry’s dislike for Anne intensified as he increasingly desired Catherine Howard, Duke of Norfolk’s niece
- Catherine instructed to spread rumour that Cromwell was not securing the divorce fast enough
- Norfolk knew the king was hesitant to more Protestant reforms and suggested that Cromwell was protecting a group of Protestants in Calais
8
Q
When was Cromwell executed?
A
- 28 July 1540
- Executed for trumped up charges relating to introducing further Protestant changes and failing to enforce Act of Six Articles
- Proven by Act of Attainder
9
Q
Why was Cromwell executed?
A
- Cromwell’s power always depended on his absolute obedience to Henry
- His political skills failed him during the Cleves marriage and tackling the rival factions
- King was also embarrassed from failed marriage
10
Q
What impact did Cromwell’s execution have?
A
- Henry lost his best and most faithful servant
- Factions at court became competitive in hopes of becoming Henry’s next key minister
11
Q
What sort of person was Cromwell?
A
- Brilliant public servant
- Reformer of government
- Strongly believed in rule of law
- Supporter of Protestant reforms - even if it made Henry uneasy
