Henry VIII: Character, Legacy and aims Flashcards
Words to describe Henry VIII’s character
Decisive Ruthless Arrogant Egotistical Flamboyant Charismatic Chivalrous Well-Educated Renaissance Prince
Henry VIII’s aims
- Consolidate and extend is personal power and influence
- Ensure the succession and continuation of the dynasty
- Be a warrior and an imperial king
- Re-establish prominence within Europe
What did Henry VII inherit
A prosperous and peaceful kingdom
A fortune worth £300,000
Was the dynasty secure upon accession
The dynasty was secure and the succession and been passed on without question
Steps taken to continue the legacy
Inherited and continued a strong and stable government, staffed by efficient administrators
Continued the expansion of regional councils and local councils
Continued use of Justices of the Peace to carry out control of local government. Allowed them further privileges such as deciding when canon law or common law could be assigned
Solvent crown
Inherited and kept his fathers ministers. e.g. John Heron - continued till 1521
Ways Henry VIII destroyed the legacy
Much different day to day attitude to government. Relied on councillors and ministers
Maintained overall control, but assigned jobs and preferred personal enjoyment
Disbanded the Council Learned in the Law - Cancelling 175 bonds
Delegated work to Wolsey and Cromwell. 1515 - 1529, 1532-1540
How did Henry establish himself among European monarchs
Through marriage to Catherine of Aragon in 1509
Was the marriage to Catherine of Aragon a success
Yes, it was both a success politically and personally.
Why were Henry’s councillors pleased with the marriage
Ensured a good relationship with Spain
It deflected Henry away from government business - allowing them to conduct councillor business as usual
What was Henry’s goal regarding the nobility
Henry wished to unfreeze them from their position under Henry VII.
What went in the nobles favour
Henry’s foreign policy principles
Why was Henry VII’s foreign policy not in the nobles favour
Henry VII’s peaceful foreign policy denied the nobility of their traditional outlet - the pursuit of military glory
Why did Henry’s foreign policy go in the nobles favour
Henry shared the tastes and dominant military cuisine of the aristocracy
Why were the nobles personally involved with Henry VIII
Because the sons of the nobility, young men, partnered Henry in sport and other renaissance shows of kingship.
This evolved into accompanying him into war, with France etc.
Why didn’t the nobles achieve political domination
Because Henry VIII favoured Wolsey, and Wolsey achieved this domination
