Rise and fall of Cromwell and Anne Boleyn

Question 1

Weaknesses in the church that aided the reformation

Answer 1

Challenge of the law- an English lawyer criticised the churches claim to legal supremacy in 1529 arguing English law was superior to the churches
Collectanae Satis Copiosa- a collection of historical documents justifying the King’s divorce
Humanist criticism of the catholic institution

Question 2

When was Cromwell sworn into the council

Answer 2

1530 and rose to the role of Lord Privy seal in 1532

Question 3

Cromwell’s role in the reformation

Answer 3

involved in many acts
oversaw the dissolution of the Monasteries
appointed as vicar general

Question 4

What caused Comwell’s downfall

Answer 4

Cleaves marriage
Cromwell wanted to push for Lutheran alliances but Henry preferred a catholic orthodoxy
the conservative faction of court used Kathryn Howard as a tool turn Henry against Cromwell

Question 5

Accusations against Anne B

Answer 5

one of her maids makes a passing comment about her being incestuous which provokes accusations

Question 6

The prophecy

Answer 6

Cromwell’s plot to remove Anne
Linked her to a prophecy made in Flanders which wared of the king’s death/danger
Prophecy states that God has guided King away from the false catholic church and the devil will send “by the children of unbelief (…) to stir up trouble” which included treason

Question 7

the baby

Answer 7

Anne gives birth to a still born, male foetus in Jan 1536
provoked accusations of witch craft since the baby was deformed
accused Anne of being both a witch and adulterous

Question 8

The joke

Answer 8

Anne makes a joke to the council Norris about the Kings death which was reported by another noble in court
the treason law of 1534 states that even thinking of the Kings death was treasonous
Anne also accused of having an affair with Norris

Question 9

Cromwell’s biggest enemy

Answer 9

Duke of Norfolk (uncle of Kathryn Howard)
wanted to replace Cromwell with himself
spread rumours that Cromwell was too reformist

Question 10

Schmalkaldic league

Answer 10

Lutheran German princes
made alliance while peace talks between France and Spain ensued (when they were fighting England and the reformation was not a concern for them)
No one wanted the marriage but Cromwell, Anne didn’t want to be a 4th wife and Henry didn’t like her

Question 11

Historiography of Cromwell’s downfall

Answer 11

Some historians see Cromwell as a successful advisor and that it was the King’s refusal to take responsibility that resulted in Cromwell’s downfall (Henry needed someone to blame)- David Loades
Some argue that the reason for Cromwell’s downfall was due to an bad mix of politics and religion (Peter Ackroyd)

Question 12

How did the downfall of Cromwell and Anne Boleyn change government

Answer 12

Cromwell- Henry now moves to a very secluded form of government and there are no other specific, powerful advisors like Cromwell or Wolsey. Also signified a shift away from the reformist faction of court, towards the more conservative side.
Boleyn- her family falls from favour and paves the way for the rise of the Seymour family