Henry VIII's character/aims/personality Flashcards
What were his strengths?
.Educates (Humanism), read, charming, extroverted.
.Executed Empson and Dudley - more keen.
.Govern through council - 2 comebacks - 1529-32 and 1540-47.
.1510 - abolished Council Learned.
What were his weaknesses?
.No government/public affair experience.
.Disliked government business and state papers.
.Lack of work ethic.
.Pageants, sports, tournaments, revelry and hunting.
.Loss of money - angry foreign policy on France.
What opportunities were there?
.Wolsey emerge - new government and focus.
.Council members dispose each other and put themselves in power.
What threats were there?
.2 periods - reliant on Chief Ministers’ work - shaped government structure to meet own needs e.g. Star Chamber. Wolsey and Cromwell (principle secretary).
What were his aims with finance?
.Lots spent on war - little gains.
.Destroyed legacy.
.Church’s wealth.
.Spent a lot on lavish things.
What were his aims with parliament?
.Not marry too fast.
.Pursue glory - little government interest.
.Statute law used more - government more important.
.Destroyed Church and income.
.Cynicism - Empson and Dudley.
.Impulsive marriage and murders.
.Secure succession.
What were his aims with foreign policy?
.Didn’t marry until 11th June 1509.
.War with France and Scotland.
.Military glory - little strategy/significance.
.Naive.
.Marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
.Never went to war with Charles V.
.Alliances - France vs Spain and HRE.
What were his aims with the nobility?
.Nobel’s sons - sports and revels.
.Dominant military culture.
.France/Scotland - Dorset and Surrey.
.Didn’t achieve political domination.
.Wolsey interests promoted instead - France war.
What legacy was left for Henry VIII?
.£300,000.
.Unpopular money extracting mechanisms.
.Peaceful foreign policy.
.Conciliar form of government.
What were Henry VII’s aims?
.Establish status amongst European monarchs.
.Re-establish nobility’s role.
.Establish himself as a warrior King.
