Henry VIII's actions as king destroyed Henry VII's legacy - validity

Introduction

1. When Henry first began reign, privy council less loyal due to previously being his fathers

2. Henry VIII’s FP drastically went away from that of his father (seen as bad as fathers FP good but also showed Henry could exert own influence)

3. Provide judgment

4. Set out argument

Agree - destroyed

1. Miser King - whereas Henry VII spent all inheritance he received and more money than had (1514 - no money, £203,000 worth of loans, parliamentary grants, debased coin 75%, etc.)

2. Peaceful FP - Henry VIII broke this in attacks on France, Scotland and HRE for minimal monetary gain (sieged Boulogne, captured 2 cities with no economic value, rebuilt walls for £200,000, wanted to be King of France/hold much power, hence constant invasions)

3. Conciliar government - Wolsey and Cromwell and chief ministers instead of the control localised government (JP’s, controlling nobles through carrots and sticks) - Henry VIII less control

4. Nobility - brought the nobility back into the forefront of the societal structure in order to pursue warrior king legacy (order of the garter, granted rewards for nobility willing to go into exile/fight with Henry)—gave nobles too much power (backfires - pilgrimage of grace, rebellions etc.)

Disagree - kept

1. Peaceful FP - Treaty of London (1518 - prevent war among nations), Wolsey, Cromwell and Henry all turned to peaceful policy when it was deemed fit (moves towards ‘Glorious Peace,’ 1520 Field of Cloth of Gold - securing marriage alliance between Mary/Henri, peace with Francis)

2. Conciliar government - pursued the council set up when it suited his own needs, used them to get what he needed, and when he needed it (order of the garter - made nobles feel special to get what he wanted, rewards for nobles/elites willing to go into battle/exile, increased JP’s power)—Henry VIII kept tight control

Conclusion

1. Destroyed

2. Wolsey/Henry/Cromwell criticised for dealing with FP wrong, too warrior oriented