Henry VIII's Reign: Key Points and Policies

Inheritance and Early Reign

• Father's Influence:
  • Henry VII, cautious and financially conservative, influenced by threats from Yorkists.
  • Implemented financial schemes (bonds, recognizances).
• Henry VIII’s Characteristics:
  • Different approach: adventurous, enjoyed hunting, and aspired to be a warrior king.
  • Influenced by young nobles known as "minions".
  • Marriage to Catherine of Aragon in 1509, two months after his father’s death, showing emotional decision-making.

Government Policies

• Styles of Governance:
  • Conciliar Rule: Periods when governance was run by a council.
  • Ministerial Rule: Dominated by chief ministers, notably Cardinal Wolsey and Thomas Cromwell.

Key Ministers

• Cardinal Wolsey (1509-1529):
  • Rose to power by organizing and financing wars (1512).
  • Introduced the Court of Star Chamber for common grievances.
  • Fell from grace due to inability to solve "King's Great Matter" (divorce from Catherine of Aragon).
• Thomas Cromwell (1532-1540):
  • Resolved King’s Great Matter by breaking with the Catholic Church, initiating the English Reformation.
  • Oversaw the dissolution of monasteries.
  • Executed due to failure of the marriage alliance with Anne of Cleves.

Foreign Policy

• Military Campaigns:
  • Initial failed invasion of France (1512) due to lack of support from allies.
  • Success in Battle of the Spurs and Battle of Flodden (1513).
• Shifts after Break with Rome:
  • Threats of invasion due to break with Catholic Church.
  • Tensions with Scotland and France, notably the "rough wooing" and French invasion threat in 1545.

Religious Policies

• Initial Catholic Devotion:
  • Henry was a strong Catholic, opposed Martin Luther’s theses.
  • Awarded title "Defender of the Faith" by the Pope.
• Break with Rome (1534):
  • Due to desire for annulment from Catherine of Aragon.
  • Enacted Act of Supremacy and Act of Succession.
  • Led to Protestant reforms under Cromwell and Cranmer.

Succession

• Marriages and Heirs:
  • Marriages driven by need for a male heir.
  • Three surviving children: Mary (1516), Elizabeth (1533), and Edward (1537).
• Acts of Succession:
  • 1534: Elizabeth legitimized, Mary barred.
  • 1536: Edward born, Elizabeth and Mary declared illegitimate.

Timeline of Henry VIII’s Reign

• 1509: Ascends to throne after Henry VII’s death.
• 1513: Successful battles enhancing prestige.
• 1534: Break with Rome, religious and succession changes.
• 1536: Execution of Anne Boleyn, birth of Edward, religious uprisings.
• 1547: Death of Henry VIII, succession by Edward VI.

These notes summarize the reign of Henry VIII, focusing on his inheritance, governance, foreign and religious policies, and succession planning. This summary highlights the transformative aspects of his rule, including the establishment of the Church of England and the impacts of his marriages on English succession.