Henry VIII and the Break from Rome Dissertation or Thesis by scholl264
Henry VIII and the Break from Rome
This paper discusses Henry VIII's break from Rome and examines to what extent it was driven by his desire for divorce.
# 103161
| 9,522 words
| 15 sources
| MLA
| 2008
| 
Published
on Apr 26, 2008
in
History
(Greek and Roman)
, History
(British)
, Religion and Theology
(General)
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Description:
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 Cardinal Wolsey, 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
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."Sample of Sources Used:
- Chambers. D.S., 'Cardinal Wolsey and the Papal tiara', Bulletin of the Institute of Historical Research 27 (1965), pp.20-30.
- Dickens, A.G., The English reformation (London: Batsford, 1964).
- Gairdner, J., 'New light on the divorce of Henry VIII', English Historical Review 11/44 (1896), pp. 673-702.
- Graves, Michael A.R., Henry VIII: a Study in Kingship (London: Pearson Longman, 2003).
- Gwyn, Peter, The King's Cardinal. The Rise and Fall of Thomas Wolsey (London: Barrie & Jenkins, 1990).
Cite this Dissertation or Thesis:
APA Format
Henry VIII and the Break from Rome (2008, April 26)
Retrieved October 01, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/dissertation-or-thesis/henry-viii-and-the-break-from-rome-103161/
MLA Format
"Henry VIII and the Break from Rome" 26 April 2008.
Web. 01 October. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/dissertation-or-thesis/henry-viii-and-the-break-from-rome-103161/>