What were Henry's aims as King from 1505 - 1529?

Early Reign and Personality
1. 21 April 1509, a 17 year old Henry becomes King
2. Henry VIII seems a contrast to his father, energetic, accessible, big spender - a new beginning?
  1. Immediately imprisons and later executes Empson and Dudley, figureheads of Henry VII's financial intimidation policy (using Bonds, Recognizances and the Act of Attainder.
    1. Bonds were a warning that if nobles were disloyal in future they would be fined.
    2. Recognizances were formal acknowledgements by a member of the nobility that they have done something wrong and thus will lose money or land.
    3. The Act of Attainder was an act of parliament the King could use to 'attaint' a person - essential allowing him to strip them of their land money and remove their families inheritance without trial.
  2. Announces he will be marrying Catherine of Aragon
    1. Seen to be a chivalrous action as she had been used for 7 years by VII in his complex diplomatic manoeuvrings. She had won widespread admiration for her dignified conduct.
  3. Warham and Fox, Henry VII's advisers, were retained initially.
  4. Edmund de la Pole, who had a good claim to the throne, was simply executed.
3. A Renaissance Prince
  1. Enjoyed eating and drinking vast quantities - this was common for the period.
  2. Henry loved the privilege which came with Kingship, enjoying competitive physical activity, sport and hunting. He established a reputation in his younger years as a fine athlete.
  3. Henry was an intelligent and musical man, who favoured working with similarly intelligent people - Cromwell, Wolsey etc.
  4. Chivalry was hugely important as part of his upbringing and renaissance prince persona. Committed to this code in early life, but cooled off after his 20s.
  5. Honour was a value Henry respected his entire life, a concept that Kings should always be obeyed and never under another's influence. Impacted his actions as he quite possibly always considered the impact of the action on his honour.
4. Henry conformed to contemporary beliefs, something which it is important to bear in mind when analysing his behaviour.
  1. Women were less important than men.
  2. Social order was God given.
  3. Always believed in a Christian God.
5. The need for a (prefereably male) heir was significant, as Henry needed to consolidate the power of the Tudor dynasty. A female monarch was not desired.
Foreign Policy
1. Henry, driven by his desire to emulate Henry V, waned to reclaim land in France and make clear his claim to the throne.
  1. Unfortunately, France had a professional army with huge resources. Much stronger than England.
2. Scotland always offered the danger of boarder raids. It was also impossible to invade and conquer. An alliance between Scotland and France would be dangerous.
3. Ireland was another possible invasion route which held deep Yorkist sympathies. The area beyond the pale was out of English control.
4. Renaissance Prince desires - chivalry, honour, military glory - all promoted war.
5. Aims:
  1. He wanted to raise England's international profile and demonstrate strength.
  2. He wanted to make alliances with foreign powers
  3. He wanted to control the Scottish
6. Alliances did not tend to go well for Henry, with Ferdinand of Spain defaulting on his promises almost immediately.
7. Warham and Fox opposed war, they wanted to continue peaceful policies and tricked Henry into another peace treaty in 1510.
Role in Government

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What were Henry's aims as King from 1505 - 1529?

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