British History - Henry VIII and the Reformation

Question-and-answer practice flashcards covering Henry VIII's Break from Rome, key advisors, wives, legislation, and the dissolution of the monasteries.

Prior to the 1520s, what was the shared form of Christianity across Western and Central European countries?

Catholicism, under the authority of the Pope in Rome.

What were Henry VIII's primary motivations for breaking away from Roman Catholicism and establishing the Church of England?

His motivations were mainly personal and political, rather than theological.

What was the official period of Henry VIII's reign as King of England?

1509–1547.

What document did Martin Luther publish in 1517 to criticise the Catholic Church?

The 95 theses.

In what year was Martin Luther excommunicated by the Pope?

1521.

Who translated the Bible into English between 1522 and 1527?

William Tyndale.

Where were William Tyndale's works printed after being banned in England?

Germany.

What main differences distinguished Protestantism from Catholicism according to the lecture notes?

A stronger focus on the Bible text, services in vernacular languages, fewer symbols/rituals, no obligation of celibacy for priests, no closed religious houses (monasteries/convents), and no recognition of papal authority.

Which reformer based in Geneva had a strong influence in Switzerland, parts of France, and the Netherlands?

Jean Calvin.

Who was the main figure of the Reformation in Scotland in 1560?

John Knox.

What title was given to Henry VIII by the Pope in 1521?

"Defender of the faith" (fidei defensor).

Why did the Pope give Henry VIII the title "defender of the faith" in 1521?

Because Henry VIII published a pamphlet against Martin Luther.

Who was the only surviving child from Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon?

Mary.

Which biblical verse from Leviticus did Henry VIII cite to justify seeking an annulment from Catherine of Aragon?

Leviticus 20:21 ("If a man shall take his brother's wife it is an unclean thing … they shall be childless").

Which papal representative and royal advisor was sacked by Henry VIII for failing to obtain an annulment?

Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.

Who were the two main Protestant advisors who assisted Henry VIII in breaking from Rome?

Thomas Cromwell and Thomas Cranmer.

Who served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1533 to 1555 and annulled Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon?

Thomas Cranmer.

Which child was born to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in 1533?

Elizabeth.

What status did the King of England receive under the Act of Supremacy in 1534?

He officially became the "Supreme Head" of the Church of England.

Which former Lord Chancellor was executed for refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy?

Thomas More.

Which of Henry VIII's wives gave birth to his Protestant son, Edward?

Jane Seymour.

How many monasteries and religious houses were closed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries between 1536 and 1539?

560 monasteries and religious houses.

What was the main purpose of selling confiscated church lands during the dissolution of the monasteries?

To ensure that those who bought or received church lands would not support a return to Catholicism.

What was the name of the rebellion in the North of England (1536–1537) opposing the dissolution of the monasteries?

The "Pilgrimage of Grace".

In what year was the Great Bible published in English?

1539.

What legislation passed by Parliament in 1539 reaffirmed Catholic practices such as confession, clerical celibacy, and transubstantiation?

The Six Articles.

Who re-established Protestantism in England in 1558 and reigned until 1603?

Elizabeth I.