Why Was the Reign of Henry Viii Such an Important Turning Point?
The reign of Henry VIII was such an important turning point because of the things he achieved and the laws he managed to change.
Henry was considered as a great king by some particularly because of his strong ideas about kingship. He believed that kings should be strong and be able to defend their country thus leading to his love of jousting. He was also considered a great king because of his knowledge. He could speak Spanish Latin and French well. He also wrote poetry and music. When he was thrust into the limelight after his brother’s death, he took on the role of king without any complaint. It seemed that he had been thinking of becoming king as he been in his brothers shadow all his life. Only four years after becoming King, Henry invaded France and his troops defeated a French army at the Battle of the Spurs. Many in Europe saw this as a great achievement.
However not all believed that Henry was a good king. Some thought he abused his power and had no interest in the country. He left Cardinal Thomas Wolsey his chief advisor, in charge of all state and government affairs. Some say that he neglected his duties as king just so he could chase a girl that did not want him (Anne Boleyn). He was called a bully and a tyrant and he could not take advice as he was so strong minded.
His reign was a turning point because it was a change for the country. The Tudors were a new dynasty and Henry had to prove how powerful they were and how well they could rule England. Again this must have put a lot of pressure on Henry seeing as he wasn’t the first heir to the throne.
When his brother Arthur died, Henry married his wife Catherine of Aragon to try and keep the alliance with Spain. This was a turning point because for this to be allowed the pope had to issue a dispensation as marriage to your brother’s dead wife was prohibited in the bible. At the time, and throughout her life, Catherine denied that her marriage to Arthur had even been consummated (never
Henry was considered as a great king by some particularly because of his strong ideas about kingship. He believed that kings should be strong and be able to defend their country thus leading to his love of jousting. He was also considered a great king because of his knowledge. He could speak Spanish Latin and French well. He also wrote poetry and music. When he was thrust into the limelight after his brother’s death, he took on the role of king without any complaint. It seemed that he had been thinking of becoming king as he been in his brothers shadow all his life. Only four years after becoming King, Henry invaded France and his troops defeated a French army at the Battle of the Spurs. Many in Europe saw this as a great achievement.
However not all believed that Henry was a good king. Some thought he abused his power and had no interest in the country. He left Cardinal Thomas Wolsey his chief advisor, in charge of all state and government affairs. Some say that he neglected his duties as king just so he could chase a girl that did not want him (Anne Boleyn). He was called a bully and a tyrant and he could not take advice as he was so strong minded.
His reign was a turning point because it was a change for the country. The Tudors were a new dynasty and Henry had to prove how powerful they were and how well they could rule England. Again this must have put a lot of pressure on Henry seeing as he wasn’t the first heir to the throne.
When his brother Arthur died, Henry married his wife Catherine of Aragon to try and keep the alliance with Spain. This was a turning point because for this to be allowed the pope had to issue a dispensation as marriage to your brother’s dead wife was prohibited in the bible. At the time, and throughout her life, Catherine denied that her marriage to Arthur had even been consummated (never