The fall of Thomas Cromwell in 1540

He was the key figure in the establishment of the Royal Supremacy
1. He was instrumental in moving the country towards Protestantism in the 1530s
  1. This meant that he had created a lot of enemies at court - they were waiting the moment that Cromwell was vulnerable
In many ways it was a surprise that Cromwell lasted as long as he did
1. He was under constant threat after the fall of Anne Boleyn in 1536
  1. He had survived through his political skill and his utter ruthlessness - he had forseen the fall of Boleyn and had distanced himself from her
Foreign Policy proved to be critical in bringing Cromwell down
1. France and the HRE's persecution of Protestants left England isolated
  1. Alliance with German Princes was seen as the way to end the isolation
    1. The disaster of the marriage to Anne of Cleves
      1. His 'Flanders Mare'
        Franco-Spanish alliance had broken down - but alliance with German Princes meant England couldn't take advantage of this
When he was vulnerable, Cromwell's enemies at court attacked
1. Cromwell had to annul the marriage to Anne of Cleves - this put the Howard faction in a strong position
  1. Despite being elevated to the Earl of Essex, he was arrested and executed in July 1540

Resource summary

	Created by Dan Bacon about 7 years ago