England in the 16th century. The tudor monarchy

Taskl. Brainstorming. Study the scheme (see page 56) and speak about the events that marked the beginning of the modern era. Try to answer the following questions:

1. What were the main trends that marked the beginning of the modern era?

2. In what European countries did Renaissance and Reformation originate?

2. How did these main trends spread in Europe and in the world?

Henry VII

Henry VII heralded a new age in English history as the Tudor monarchy was based on the new relations in society. The Tudor monarchy had support of all layers of the society which were weakened economically and politically after the dynastic wars.

Henry saw two important tasks to accomplish — to destroy the power of the nobility and get an independent position. Thus Henry re-established and strengthened the court system, created new nobility from the upper middle classes and broke down the anarchy of the preceding decades. The revival of new laws let the Parliament introduce new taxes, the greater part of which went to strengthening royal power and developing English shipping.

Henry's wise foreign policy led to establishing of important alliances through the marriages of his children. Henry's eldest son Arthur was married to Catherine of Aragon, his daughter Margaret was married to James IV of Scotland.

The freedom of commerce was renewed. The unrestricted power of barons was limited by a number of laws. Due to these innovations the period of Henry VH's reign and the beginning of Henry VIII's reign was marked by rapid economic development of the country — England passed from being a producer of wool to being a manufacturer of cloth.

New manufactures were constantly in need of raw materials, so the peasants were removed from the lands and the lands were enclosed to make pasture for sheep. The clothing industry became the leading branch of the economy and woollen goods made up 80 % of English exports at that time. Land trading companies made huge profits on overseas trade. These profits were reinvested into the expanding clothing industry. Metallurgy, coalmining and shipbuilding were making steady progress.

The reign of Henry VII brought much change in judicial system, but little changed in the life of ordinary people. In 1509, the accession of King Henry VIII changed the general atmosphere in the country.

Henry VIII — Beginning of the Reign

Henry was eighteen years old when he became King. The nobles and ordinary people hoped that Henry would lead the country to contentment and prosperity. In state affairs young Henry was advised by Thomas Wol-sey, the Archbishop of York, later Cardinal and Chancellor. Wolsey stood in for the King in day-to-day administration. The ambitions of the King and his Chancellor went far — they wanted to restore English prestige on the continent.

In 1511, the Pope, the Emperor and the King of Spain united in a Holy League to drive the French from Italy. England made an alliance with Spain to start the war with France, but got a great defeat in the struggle. Henry hoped to reconquer France, but the war in general was unsuccessful despite some minor conquests.

After the French war Henry VIII made Wolsey Archbishop of York and Chancellor, and the Pope made him Cardinal and Papal Legate. Since that time Wolsey controlled English policy at home and abroad.

In the 1520s, Spain completely dominated Europe and Cardinal Wolsey tried to restore the balance of power by making alliance with France. The country soon expanded into the war with France until in 1523 the Parliament resisted an application for war expenses.

Twenty years of Henry's reign were aimed at maintaining "the balance of power" policy in Europe and at home. For a long period Henry supported Catholic Church, which was threatened by various protestant movements. These movements criticised the power of Catholic Church, its organisation and corrupted, money-loving priests. Henry VIII with the help of Sir Thomas More, a great thinker and scientist of that time, wrote the book containing the explanation of the main doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church and attacking Martin Luther, the leader of German Protestants. For this book the Pope gave Henry the title of the Defender of Faith, which still can be seen on the English money in the letters FID DEF or F.D.

Cultural Focus: Reformation and Protestantism in Europe

Reformation Movement in Christianity began in the 12^th century, but it became really effective in the 16^th century, when the absolute monarchies gave it support. The support of the Reformation Movement was rather important for absolute monarchs — the separation from Rome meant that political power of papacy decreased and church wealth was confiscated. As the Roman Church was the biggest landowner in many European countries, it was the mightiest feudal — more than one third of all lands belonged to Catholic Church.

The establishment of new bourgeois relations instead of old feudal relations threatened the position of Catholic Church. New relations in society demanded new relations with God and Church. The other reason for the spread of Reformation Movement was the degradation of clergy, their greed and wealth.

Here are the main events of the Reformation Movement in Europe in the 16^th century:

1517 The German priest Martin Luther protested against the sale of indulgences and began the Reformation in Europe;

1519 Zwingli lead the Reformation in Switzerland;

1529 The term "Protestant" was first used;

1533 Reformation in England;

1541 The French theologian Calvin established Presbyterianism in Geneva, Switzerland;

1559 The Protestant John Knox came from exile to found the Church of Scotland;

1545—1563 The Roman Catholic Church initiated the Counter — Reformation at the Council of Trent. It extended moral persuasion and the Spanish Inquisition to other countries;

Mid—17^th century The Catholic and protestant churches were separated.

Protestantism was based on the following principal theses:

• Bible is the only source of understanding God;

• each person can read and understand Bible their own way;

• believers can talk to God directly without the help of priests;

• Church service should not be pompous and colourful;

• Church hierarchy should be abolished.

John Calvin found Presbyterian Church. Now it is the Established Church of Scotland, but it is also practised in England, Ireland, Switzerland and elsewhere. There is no compulsory form of worship and each congregation is governed by presbyters or elders, who are in equal rank. Congregations are grouped in presbyteries, synods and general assembles.

In the 18* century, Presbyterian Church was made the established Church in Scotland.

Task 2. Discuss different historical events, which led to the spread of Protestantism in England and later with the spread of English colonies all over the world. Consider the following facts and ideas:

• Catholic Church was the richest feudal in Europe;

• As a mighty landlord Catholic Church influenced the policy of European countries;

• The power of European monarchs was shared with Rome;

• Newly born class of bourgeoisie needed a new form of religion.