Henry’s Later Aims

• Ruthlessness


  A trait exhibited by Henry VIII (r)
• Cynicism


  A trait exhibited by Henry VIII
• Demonstration of ruthlessness and cynicism

  • Treatment of Empson and Dudley
• Ruthlessness and cynicism were present throughout Henry VIII's reign
• Impulsiveness


  A trait exhibited by Henry VIII
• Demonstrations of impulsiveness

  • Speed of marriage to Catherine of Aragon
  • Marriages to Anne of Cleves and Catherine Howard
• Henry VIII's impulsiveness was not restricted to just his marital relationships
• Example of impulsive decision

  • Executing Thomas Cromwell on 28th July 1540
• Henry VIII came to regret his impulsive decision to execute Thomas Cromwell