English Reformation AP Euro

English Reformation

A 16th-century religious and political movement that separated the Church of England from the authority of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church.

Church of England

Established in the 1530s when Henry VIII severed ties with the Roman Catholic Church.

Dissolution of the Monasteries

The disbanding of over 800 Catholic monasteries, priories, and convents in England, Wales, and Ireland by King Henry VIII and supported by Thomas Cromwell.

Thomas Wolsey

English Catholic cardinal and Lord Chancellor to Henry VIII. His failure to secure Henry’s annulment from Catherine of Aragon caused his downfall, paving the way for the English Reformation.

Sir Thomas More

Wrote the influential work Utopia, which was a firm defence of Catholic principles against the Protestant Reformation. Executed for refusing to recognise King Henry VIII as head of the Church of England. Successor to Thomas Wolsey

Thomas Cromwell

Key in executing the English Reformation, masterminding the break with Rome, dissolving the monasteries, and consolidating Royal Supremacy. Successor to Sir Thomas More.

Edward VI of England

Advanced Protestant reforms in England as the new King after Henry VIII’s death

Mary I of England

Wanted Catholicism as the state religion of England and committed to restoring Catholicism in England as the new Queen after Edward VI’s death. Her Five Year Reign was characterised by brutal repression of dissenters (most were burned at the stake).

Lady Jane Grey

Unsuccessfully attempted to claim the throne of England after Edward VI’s death in order to preserve Protestantism and prevent the accession of Mary Tudor (Later Mary I) to the throne. Accused of treason and executed during Mary I rule.

Elizabeth I of England

Established a Protestant rule after Mary I of England’s death, however it was moderate and allowed for Catholicism.

Elizabethan Settlement (1559)

A religious compromise established by Queen Elizabeth I to end the intense religious turmoil in England. It combined Protestant doctrine with traditional Catholic structure and ceremony to create a national church, unifying the nation.