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1 (a) Describe two features of Henry VIII’s marriage to Jane Seymour - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 1
1 (a) Describe two features of Henry VIII’s marriage to Jane Seymour. Feature 1 (b) Explain why Cromwell rose to power in the years 1529–34. You may use the follo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1 (a) Describe two features of Henry VIII’s marriage to Jane Seymour - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe two features of Henry VIII’s marriage to Jane Seymour.
Answer
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Henry VIII's Marriage Timing: Henry married Jane Seymour two weeks after Anne Boleyn's execution, highlighting a rapid transition from one marriage to another. This reflects Henry's continued desire for a legitimate male heir, as he viewed Jane as a pivotal figure in achieving that goal.
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Birth of Edward VI: Jane Seymour gave birth to Edward VI, Henry's only legitimate son, which was a significant achievement for Henry. This marriage marked a moment of success in Henry's quest for a male successor, despite the fact that Jane died shortly after childbirth.
Step 2
Explain why Cromwell rose to power in the years 1529–34.
Answer
Cromwell's rise to power between 1529 and 1534 can be attributed to several key factors:
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Cromwell's Personality: Cromwell was known for his intelligence and determination, which helped him win the favor of Henry VIII. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes made him a valuable advisor.
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Role in Anne Boleyn's Circumstances: Cromwell played an instrumental role in facilitating Henry's annulment from Catherine of Aragon and subsequently supported Anne Boleyn. His legal expertise was crucial in drafting legislation that would benefit Henry's marital ambitions.
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Effective Management of Government: Cromwell effectively organized and managed the King’s administrative apparatus, which helped reinforce his position and enabled him to gain structural control over the government's operations.
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Support and Patronage: His previous experiences in business and law positioned him well to gain support from various nobles, further consolidating his influence in the court.
Step 3
‘In the years 1509–29, Henry VIII achieved all his aims as a monarch.’ How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
Answer
Henry VIII’s reign from 1509 to 1529 was marked by significant successes as well as notable failures:
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Diplomatic Successes: Henry aimed to establish his authority through military victories, such as the campaigns in France. Although he captured territory in 1513, the territories were ultimately returned after the war.
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Birth of Mary: The birth of Princess Mary was a crucial success in establishing a legitimate royal line, as it solidified Henry's position and showcased his ability to father heirs. However, it was not the male heir he desperately sought.
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Personal Ambitions: While Henry was personally ambitious, his quest for a male heir overshadowed other achievements, raising questions about whether he could be deemed successful overall, considering the marital turmoil that characterized his early reign.
In conclusion, while Henry achieved some of his aims during these years, the overarching struggle for a male heir and the subsequent marital issues suggest that not all his ambitions were realized.
Step 4
‘Henry VIII’s religious changes were the main cause of the Pilgrimage of Grace.’ How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
Answer
The Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536 was a significant rebellion influenced by various factors:
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Religious Changes: The dissolution of monasteries and the confiscation of church property were deeply unpopular. Many believed these actions undermined traditional practices and the socio-economic fabric of their communities.
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Economic Grievances: Poor harvests and economic distress also played a critical role in fueling discontent. The economic instability made the population more susceptible to the religious changes, as they believed these shifts were contributing to their hardships.
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Local Governance and Administration: Resentment towards local governance and the perceived overreach of the crown's policies contributed to the rebellion.
Thus, while Henry’s religious policies were certainly a catalyst for the Pilgrimage of Grace, economic factors and local governance issues were equally significant in prompting the uprising.