Why did Henry VIII break with Rome?

Why did Henry VIII break with Rome?

1. The Role of Anne Boleyn

   • She was a Protestant
   • Introduced Henry to theological works
     • Simon Fish "The Supplication of Beggars"
     • William Tyndale "Obedience of the Christian Man"
   • Encouraged radicals such as Thomas Cranmer
   • All 10 bishops appointed while Anne was Queen were reformers

2. Henry wanted a male heir to Anne

   • Catherine was going through the menopause
   • Thought God was punishing him with Leviticus and Deutronomy
   • Mary was now illegitimate
   • Henry needed a male to be stable

3. The role of Thomas Cranmer

   • Geeky academic who was a strong Protestant
   • Got opinion on the H+C divorce from leading European universities
   • Drafted the Ten Articles (1536) and the Bishops Book (1537)

4. To increase Henry's powers in England + to lower the Pope's authority

   • Felt that the Pope was higher than him
   • The Pope was seen as more powerful than Henry
     • Henry wanted to be very powerful, links to his foreign policy ideas

5. The role of Thomas Cromwell

   • Drafted much of the Reformation
     • Drafted the bills that freed Henry from control of Rome
     • Promoted Protestant ideas in England
   • Instrumental in the dissolution of the monestaries

6. Anti-clerical feeling in England

   • People were against the Church so could rebel
   • Henry didn't have the strongest hold on England after the War of the Roses anyway
     • Links to wanting a male heir