Abstract This paper examines the life of Thomas CardinalWolsey (1475-1530) who was the Lord Chancellor to King Henry VIII. It provides a brief outline of his life from his childhood, education, rise in the church and finally to his position under the King. It looks at how Wolsey was treated as a trusted and capable, if ambitious, man who carried out the King's will but often did so in ways that he devised himself and not infrequently, developed strategies of his own that were sanctioned by the King. It analyzes whether Wolsey's eventual disgrace and fall and Henry's willingness to treat him as a scapegoat merit the term pawn and how Wolsey's status as his own man, rather than a pawn of the King, must be judged in terms of what he wished to accomplish rather than by current standards.
From the Paper "Wolsey was the son of a prosperous grazier and his brilliance secured him a place at Magdalene College Oxford. He was ordained in 1498 and began his relatively slow climb to eminence by serving various influential men until, in 1507, he became chaplain to Henry VII and, in 1509, was appointed almoner and counselor to Henry VIII. From that point on Wolsey's rise proceeded at great speed--in both the ecclesiastical and secular realms. In 1514 he was appointed archbishop of York and in 1515 he was elevated to cardinal and to Lord Chancellor. Wolsey always coveted the position of archbishop of Canterbury, who was usually the effective head of the English church since the only other archbishopric in England, York, took in only the impoverished northern reaches. Gaining the cardinal's hat helped him achieve greater prominence in the church but it was not until, in 1518, Wolsey achieved the unusual status of papal legate (legatus a latere), or papal viceroy, that the cardinal became "as supreme over the English Church as Henry's favor made him over the English state" (Bindoff 83)."
Abstract Argues that Wolsey, as Lord Chancellor and an intimate advisor to Henry VIII, was not a pawn of the King. Wolsey's consolidation of his personal power and wealth. His being subject to the King's pleasure and will. His diplomatic talents and achievements. His role in Church reform & disastrous administration of the Church. His excellent changes in the law courts. Outline.
From the Paper "I Thomas Cardinal Wolsey was not a pawn of Henry VIII even
though all his actions were subject to the King's approval.
A. Wolsey's talents and ambition made him an accomplished diplomat and administrator, and allowed him to amass great wealth from his ecclesiastical positions. Wolsey's status as his own man, rather than a pawn of the King, must be judged in terms of what he wished to accomplish rather than by current standards.
II Wolsey had great diplomatic talents.
His Treaty of London secured a vital alliance with France and made England a major power in European politics.
B. Wolsey grasped the importance of clear, comprehensive treaties along modern lines and securing English safety..."
Abstract This paper discusses the steps leading up to Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church and papal domination. The paper focuses on Henry's marriage to Catherine and his relationship with Ann Boleyn as motivating factors for his departure from the Roman Church.
From the Paper "In the early sixteenth century, Europe was the stage for many grand social and political changes all of which altered the way in which man viewed himself and the world around him. No event, however, was more influential in the life of the individual than the ..."
Tags: Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon, CardinalWolsey, Pope, Protestant Reformation, Rome
Abstract In this article, the writer first looks at the immediate circumstances in which Henry VIII first conceived the idea of divorce from Catherine. The paper then points out that there were also other surrounding factors that must be taken into consideration when considering whether Henry VIII's break with Rome really was driven by Henry's sole desire for divorce. The paper points out that some scholars say the role of CardinalWolsey, the king's advisor, was crucial in so far as he supposedly suggested the plan to the King himself; some point to the influence of Anne Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon on his decisions; still others believe that the broader force of anti-clericalism ultimately played an important part since it helped transform a mere issue of divorce into one of a conflict between Church and State. The paper concludes that despite all these important factors, the chief factor for the break with Rome can be found with Henry himself and in his undoubted passion for Anne whose role in shoring up Henry's affection towards her and determination for the cause was far from unimportant in a desire that resulted in England rejecting the authority of the papacy.
Outline:
Introduction
The Strength of Henry's Desire
The Influence of Anne Boleyn
The Place of Anti-clericalism
Conclusions
From the Paper "More fundamentally, it is questionable whether the Cardinal himself really did have intentions to become Pope. When Wolsey did obtain a position as a Cardinal in Rome, he frequently absented himself away from the place, even declining recommendations that he should go for his own benefit. Following accusations that his titular Church of St Cicilia was involved with embezzlement, he hardly exuded an air of concern about this as reflecting badly on his character and hence his potential candidacy. Nor did he make any serious attempt at cultivating a network of people on whom he could rely when it came to electing a Pope. Realistically, there was only one influential supporter, Campeggio, an acquaintance merely by virtue of him being a legate in England. Otherwise, Wolsey half-heartedly looked to minor figures that could not be expected to hold real clout. Even Silvestro Gigli, a diplomat, was treated rather indifferently in the role of go-between with Rome, so that Gigli was frequently moved to complain that Wolsey was not keeping him, and thus Rome, informed about developments in England."
Tags: Anne, Boleyn, Catherine, of, Aragon, marriage
A discussion on how well Henry VIII was served by his ministers, focusing on the roles of Wolsey and Cromwell, with a brief look at the lesser lights of Henry's reign, More, Fox, Warham and Gardiner.
Abstract The following paper examines how well Wolsey and Cromwell supported Henry's ambitions to be a great and grand king. The writer argues that Wolsey's role was to administer, whereas Cromwell reformed and created, and it was mainly due to his efforts that the reign of Henry VIII is seen as a critical point in the transition from medieval to modern government.
From the Paper "A succession of ministers served Henry VIII during his reign, although today only two, possibly three, names come to mind. Cardinal Wolsey and Thomas Cromwell were the two pre-eminent servants of Henry's reign with others such as Fox, Warham and Gardiner taking a lesser role. Sir Thomas More is possibly better known today for a modern play about him than for what he achieved in three years as Lord Chancellor after Wolsey's fall."
The paper examines the possible causes of the Great Western Schism - the major crisis experienced by the Catholic Church at the end of the 14th century.
Abstract An examination of several ideas which have been suggested as the possible causes of the Great Western Schism. The paper suggests one popular argument which blames the people of Rome, the hasty appointment of Urban VI was made to dispel an angry Roman mob. Another theory analyzed is that the King of France was attempting to seize control back of the papacy and persuaded the cardinals to elect a second pope. The actions of Urban VI and the Cardinals have also been blamed. This paper examines these theories and attempts to pinpoint the proximate cause of the Great Western Schism.
From the Paper "During the middle and end of the 14th century, the Catholic Church went through a major crisis that came to be known as the Great Western Schism. Bartholomew Prignano, the Archbishop of Bari, was elected Pope and took the name Urban VI. After just a few months of Urban's rule, the Cardinal College left Rome and elected one of their own, Robert of Geneva, who became Pope Clement VII. In 1409 a church council in Pisa attempted to elect a new pope that could unite the sides. The Pisian council did, but neither pope was willing to give up his power. Thus, three popes were vying for authority over the church. "
Abstract This paper will address the work and philosophy of two Native Canadian artists, Joane Cardinal-Schubert, a visual artist and Maria Campbell, a writer. Both these artists have similar concerns in their work and weave personal and community experience into their art. They employ both the oral tradition influence from their ethnic backgrounds and more non-Native oriented visual and written traditions to create a fusion of their two cultures and thereby regain a voice for their communities in the larger Canadian culture.
This paper discusses Cardinal Richelieu, who, in the late 1500s and early 1600s, was one of the stronger politicians behind the weakening French throne of King Louis VIII.
Abstract This paper explains that Richelieu, the villain in the "Three Musketeers", is one of the reasons the marriage of church and state, which was the practice in Europe at the time, left such a sour taste in the mouths of those statesmen who crafted the American Constitution. The author points out that the monarchy was established so firmly that, even the long, poorly administered reign, and the series of rebellions, which occurred during that time, could not shake its foundation, and France became the dominating power on the continent of Europe, both in politics and in the arts. The paper relates that, while the Protestant Reformation had taken root in Europe less than a half century prior to Richelieu's ascent to power, his allegiance to the Catholic Pope placed him at political odds with those who engaged in dissent.
From the Paper "As masterfully demonstrated by the Clinton administration, controlling public opinion is a process of paramount importance if a man of dubious character is to build a favorable legacy. Criticism needed to be stifled, and Richelieu did this with much success. He submitted the press who would question his "advisory role to the king" to a brutally repressive regime. As a result, most pamphlets published in France in his day supported the government. According to recent research into French history, the Cardinal extended his concept of spin control to any publication critical of the government, including popular cultural writers of the time, the Academie Francaise, which was intended to enhance the artistic and intellectual prestige of France."
Abstract This paper examines the reasons behind the eventual creation of the Church of England by King Henry VIII. It discusses how, although problems with the Catholic Church did exist, on the whole society believed in its central teachings, participated in its operations and invested heavily, both emotionally and financially, in its future right up to and beyond the Parliament of 1529.
From the Paper "Much of the reason why members of Parliament, who as lawyers and merchants had particular grievances with the Cardinal, allowed proceedings within the House to escalate - to the point that the Church itself was placed under the spotlight - might be sought in the satisfaction they drew from puncturing the taboo that the Church was beyond reproach. More plausibly, however, Parliament's eagerness to ridicule Wolsey stemmed from circumstances during the previous summer of 1528 when a severe outbreak of sweating illness broke out in London, claiming heavy casualties. A by-product of this epidemic was how it inadvertently contributed to shoring up the coffers of priests rather than doctors, since it led to the payment of more mortuary and probate fees. Such bitter experiences may have conceivably lingered in the mind of parliamentarians as a reason why debates were allowed to reach such venomous proportions. "
Abstract This paper takes a look at Francois Rabelais' life and how his upbringing influenced his work. The work examined in this paper is "Gargantua and Pantagruel". Firstly a description of his upbringing in a historical context is provided and then a concise look at the novel. The characters are analyzed and contrasted.
From the paper:
"Because to laugh is proper to the man.? ? Francois Rabelais.
Francois Rabelais was a satirist. Throughout his life, he was bombarded with Christian ideals and ideas, yet his works certainly ridicule many aspects of the Christian faith. Francois Rabelais was born in 1483 at Chinon in Touraine. This date, as well as many other details of his life, is in dispute by scholars all over the world. Some researchers believe that his father was an apothecary while others believe that Rabelais? father was an innkeeper. Francois began his studies with the Benedictines but eventually joined the Franciscans where he stayed fifteen years and received his Holy Orders. He later found the convent was against the studies of the Renaissance that he favoured, so with permission from the Pope, he left it. At his new convent home he continued his study of medicine in 1530. By the following year, he was a professor of anatomy at Lyons as well as head physician at Pont-du-Rhone hospital. During his time as head physician, he fathered a child that died young. In 1534 he began his time with Cardinal du Bellay as a physician. He received an indult from Pope Paul III that allowed him to practice medicine and absolved him from his former infraction of fathering a child while in the priesthood."
Abstract This essay describes Jackie Robinson's past as a baseball player from the time he first played major league baseball in the United States in 1947. The writer shows that he had no expectations beyond breaking the color barrier so that blacks as well as whites could play baseball.The aim of this paper is to show that Robinson was a quiet role model for the youth of the world for generations to come ? a role model demonstrating that one person can speak up for what he knows to be right, and to have it make a difference.
From the paper:
?Robinson endured many slights and insults while playing professional baseball. When the Brooklyn Dodgers called him up from their farm club, the president of the Philadelphia Phillies announced that their team would not play the Dodgers as long as Robinson was part of the team. The St. Louis Cardinals threatened to strike. Cooler heads prevailed, and Jackie Robinson played ball. (Mims, 1995).?
An in-depth analysis of this English Renaissance tragedy, the various factors involved which lead to the tragic ending and the struggle between good and evil.
2,800 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 2 sources, 2001, $ 83.95
Abstract In this paper the author examines the theme of tragedy that runs through this play. In so doing he looks at the primary relationships in the play - the relationship between the Cardinal, the Duchess and Ferdinand and the relationship between the Duchess and Antonio which he suggests is central to the play. He also suggests that the character of Bosola is an additional factor in the events that lead to the tragic end. The author examines each of these factors in turn, looking at the characters involved, their characteristics and the meaning of each factor and concludes by showing, not only how all these events led to the tragic ending, but also what meaning this has for the reader.
From the paper:
?The central tragedy of the play is that of the Duchess. She is represented as a fine woman in terrible circumstances. Her tragic flaw is her need to follow her heart. She defies the reality of the situation and makes the decision to marry Antonio and ultimately suffers for this choice. The tragedy of the situation is that she does nothing wrong. Her relationship with Antonio is pure. Even with the tragedy that results, she accepts this as a consequence of loving Antonio and accepts her fate.?
Abstract This paper discusses the art and architectural history of Louis XIV's opulent palace at Versailles. The author examines the palace itself and its gardens both from an architectural point of view and as a political statement. The paper describes how the decorative styles of the grounds and castle reflected the power and demanding nature of its main inhabitant, the self-proclaimed "Sun King".
From the Paper "While the explicit purpose of Versailles was to glorify king and country, it also glorifies at least implicitly the architect who translated the king's vision. By 1674, when Monsart was commissioned to rebuild the ch"teau of Clagny for Louis XIV's mistress Madame de Montespan, he was already launched on a brilliant career. In 1675 Mansart became official architect to the king and from 1678 on was occupied with redesigning and enlarging the palace of Versailles, for which he directed a legion of collaborators, prot"g?s, and artisans. Mansart began his own work by using the plans of architect Louis Le Vau, and to these plans built the new Hall of Mirrors, the Orangerie, the Grand Trianon, and the north and south wings and at the time of his death he was working on the chape. Each element was designed to magnify the sense of Louis's own power and the wealth and sophistication of France."
Abstract The paper analyzes "A Praise of Folly", written in 1509, which expresses the views of Desiderius Erasmus toward such topics as the church, humanism and the clergy. The paper shows how Erasmus is of the opinion that popes, cardinals, priests, and monks gave in to their human temptations and did not live up to the example set by Christ.
From the Paper "He expressed his views through The Praise of Folly, a book that is about a muse named Folly, who acts as the vehicle through which Erasmus criticizes the church. Erasmus wrote the book to express humanist views and to criticize much of society. The book uses examples of the clergy's misdeeds to show how they cannot control their human weaknesses and demonstrated how they are not living up to Christ's example."
From the Paper "John Henry Newman was a major figure in the development of Roman Catholicism in England in the nineteenth century, and indeed he exercised a vital influence on the religious life of the nation. Newman left numerous writings about his life and his theology, and these have been influential ever since. His autobiography, Apologia pro Vita Sua, details his spiritual journey and the development of the theological thought that caused him to change his religious affiliation from the Anglican church to the Roman Catholic Church. In his autobiography, Cardinal Newman not only discusses the strength of his conversion and the nature of his spiritual shift, but also provides a strong defense of Catholicism against its critics and against those who would challenge his thought because of the conversion he underwent. Included in the work is an account of his role in the..."
