History 1300-1800s Midterm March 10th to April 11th Flashcards
What was the main issue that separated Henry VIII from the Catholic Church?
His rejection of the papacy. Henry remained largely Catholic in doctrine but denied the Pope’s authority.
What is the “Pilgrimage of Grace”?
1536 uprising in Northern England protesting the dissolution of monasteries and religious changes under Henry VIII.
Why did the people involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace believe Henry changed his faith?
They believed Henry had been bewitched, likely by Anne Boleyn, and demanded he restore Catherine of Aragon.
Who was Henry VIII’s first wife, and what happened to her?
Catherine of Aragon; she was divorced, and later died in 1536, reportedly with a damaged heart (possibly symbolic of a broken heart).
How many wives did Henry VIII have?
Six — Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr.
What happened to Anne Boleyn in 1536?
She was arrested, accused of treason and witchcraft, and executed by a French swordsman in May 1536.
What was Anne Boleyn accused of?
Treason, adultery (including incest with her brother George), and witchcraft — the latter a “catch-all” charge.
Why did Henry VIII turn against Anne Boleyn?
She gave birth to a malformed stillborn child in 1536, leading to suspicions of infidelity and “monstrous birth” symbolism.
Who were the five men accused of having affairs with Anne Boleyn?
George Boleyn (her brother), Mark Smeaton (musician), and three of Henry’s longtime friends; all were tortured and executed.
Why was adultery considered treason for queens?
A child by another man could inherit the throne illegitimately, thus corrupting the royal bloodline.
Who was Thomas Cromwell?
enry VIII’s secretary and a key political figure; from humble origins (son of a blacksmith), later orchestrated Anne Boleyn’s downfall.
hy was Cromwell resented by the nobility?
He was from the lower class and seen as an interloper who rose too high for his station.
Who was Thomas Cranmer?
The Archbishop of Canterbury — not to be confused with Thomas Cromwell.
How did Cromwell justify Anne Boleyn’s “monstrous” child?
He argued that such a child could only result from impurity — i.e., infidelity.
Who was Jane Seymour?
Henry VIII’s third wife, considered the love of his life. She gave birth to Edward VI and died shortly after from infection.
What contributed to Jane Seymour’s death?
Likely an infection caused by unwashed hands of midwives and physicians during childbirth.
What disease did baby Edward show signs of?
“Tudor disease,” possibly a hereditary illness; exact condition is unclear.
Why was Henry VIII eager to marry quickly after Anne’s execution?
e wanted a legitimate male heir and turned to Jane Seymour within days.
What was Henry’s reaction after Anne Boleyn’s execution?
He told his companions, “Gentlemen, I am a widower,” and immediately visited Jane Seymour.
Who were Jane Seymour’s brothers?
Thomas and Edward Seymour — Henry referred to them as Jane’s “weight problem” because of their political meddling.
What advice did Cromwell give Henry by 1539?
That “it is not good for man to be alone,” prompting Henry to seek a fourth wife.
Why did European nobles refuse to marry off daughters to Henry?
e had a reputation for being unstable and abusive, especially to his wives.
Which noblewoman joked about needing two heads to marry Henry?
An unnamed princess said she’d only marry Henry if she had two heads — so he could cut one off and she could keep the other.
Where did Cromwell eventually find a potential bride in 1539?
In the Duchy of Cleves (now part of the Netherlands).
