internal faction & pressures from abroad

• Reformist Faction

  Key Faction:

  • Thomas Cromwell and Thomas Cranmer
• Reformist Faction

  Aims and Policies:

  • promoted religious reforms inspired by Martin Luther
  • advocated for the introduction of the Bible in English and reduced emphasis on salvation through good works
  • introduced the Act of Ten Articles and the Bishop's Book to align with reformist views
• Reformist Faction

  Key Events:

  • death of Jane Seymour (1537) left Henry with only one male heir, Edward
  • Act of Six Articles (1539) showed Henry's conservative stance on doctrine a setback for reformists
  • Cromwell arranged the marriage between Henry and Anne of Cleeves (1540) to strengthen reformist influence, but it ended disastrously
  • Cromwell's downfall in 1540 was a major setback for reformists. He was executed for treason, highlighting the fragile position of reformist influence at court
• Conservative Faction

  Key Figures:

  • Duke of Norfolk, Stephen Gardiner, and other conservative members of the Privy council
• Conservative Faction

  Aims and Policies:

  • emphasized traditional Catholic doctrines, including the seven sacraments and purgatory
  • promoted the belief in salvation through good works rather than faith alone
• Conservative Faction

  Key Events:

  • failure of Cleeves marriage opened opportunities for conservatives
  • Norfolk presented Catherine Howard as a new bride for Henry emphasizing her traditional virtues
  • Catherine Howard's marriage to Henry in 1540 initially brought favor to the conservatives, but her later adultery scandal led to her execution in 1542
• Post-Cromwell Government

  • end of single minister government; shift to factional interplay
  • debate on whether Henry manipulated factions or was manipulated by them
  • Henry's strong personal control and sense of honor influenced governance
  • Cranmer remained Archbishop of Canterbury, indicating some reformist elements persisted
• Impact of Foreign Affairs on Church Changes

  Foreign Policy Aims:

  • regain former French territories
  • establish Henry as equal to Francis I and Charles V
  • maintain trade links with the Netherlands
  • secure the Tudor dynasty through strategic marriages and alliances
• Impact of Foreign Affairs on Church Changes

  Influence of foreign affairs:

  • break with Rome caused isolation; Henry sought alliances to wanted Catholic powers
  • marriage alliances and military strategies influenced by the need to protect England from Catholic crusades
  • Treaty of Nice (1538) and subsequent truce between France and Charles V heightened threats to England, leading Cromwell to seek Protestant alliances in Germany
  • Negotiations with the Schmalkaldic League and diplomatic efforts with France and the Holy Roman Empire aimed to protect England's religious independence
• Henry's Personal Influence:

  Religious Policies-

  • Henry pursued his own interpretation of religion, balancing reformist and conservative pressures
  • his marriages and personal relationships significantly impacted religious and political alliances
• Henry's Personal Influence:

  Post-1540 Governance-

  • after Cromwell's fall, Henry took a more direct role in governance
  • his decisions were influenced by personal health, honor, and the need to secure his dynasty, particularly for his son Edward's succession