Henry VIII Revision Guide and Workbook Overview

Key Content Areas

Henry VIII and Wolsey (1509-1529)

• Society and government structure in 1509
  • Social hierarchy: Yeomen, Gentry, Nobility, Tenant farmers, etc.
  • Importance of London as a trade center and governmental hub
• Henry's accession to the throne
  • Styled as Renaissance Prince
  • Views on sovereignty and monarchy
  • Personal style of government
• Wolsey's rise to power and reforms
  • Enclosure laws, justice system reforms
  • Amicable Grant and its consequences
• Wolsey's foreign policy aims and outcomes
  • Diplomatic relations with France and the Holy Roman Empire
  • Key treaties and wars
• Catherine of Aragon and succession issues
  • Importance of a male heir
  • Attempts to gain annulment
• Wolsey's fall from power
  • Factors leading to dismissal

Henry VIII and Cromwell (1529-1540)

• Cromwell's early career and rise to power
  • Influence of Protestant ideas
  • Loyalty to Henry and efficiency
• Managing the annulment of Henry’s marriage
  • Secret marriage to Anne Boleyn and securing of the annulment
  • Cromwell's increased influence post-annulment
• The fall of Anne Boleyn
  • Reasons for execution
  • Cromwell's role in the downfall
• Jane Seymour's marriage to Henry VIII
  • Birth of Edward VI and its significance
• Cromwell's reforms
  • Restructuring the Royal and Privy Councils
  • Financial and governmental reforms
• Decline of Cromwell’s influence
  • The failed marriage to Anne of Cleves
  • Cromwell's execution and influence of the Duke of Norfolk

The Reformation and its Impact (1529-1540)

• Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church
  • Reasons for the split
  • Key differences between Catholic and Protestant beliefs
• Henry’s initial loyalty to Catholicism
  • Title of Defender of the Faith
• Legislative and religious changes under Henry VIII

Skills and Exam Preparation

• Exam overview and question types
  • Describing features
  • Explaining causes and making judgments
• Practice questions for exam preparation

These notes summarize the main points of the Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History Henry VIII Revision Guide and Workbook, detailing the socio-political atmosphere of England under Henry VIII, key events, and notable figures during this period.