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Why Is Henry Viii Important

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16th Century England, synonymous with the Tudor reign, was an influential time period , during which various aspects of English culture and society underwent important changes, leaving an impactful legacy even felt today. This period of change was a result of several strong leaders, one of which was Henry VIII. The legacy and historical significance of Henry VIII, who was arguably the most renowned Tudor monarch, is intertwined with his well documented marriages and their ends. Henry VIII’s relations with women given the societal structure of the Tudor period had various repercussions, ranging from religious ramifications to more personal consequences for his children and ultimately, England. The monarch, whose eight marriages and their ultimate …show more content…

Though, at the time, he claimed the marriage was because “he felt obliged...both by treaty requirements and a deathbed promise” to Henry VII (Doran, 82), Doran surmises it was more political, in part due to Catherine’s father Ferdinand and his military connections, but also to undermine the decisions made by Henry VII (82). Despite Catherine of Aragon previously being Henry VIII’s sister-in-law, and their vast age difference, Henry VIII “spared no expense in glorifying either the marriage or himself” (Matusiak, 55), and despite the ultimate outcome, their marriage began with both parties happy and on good terms. Catherine of Aragon began as Henry VIII’s “most influential advisor” (PBS). Her most impactful decision was when she spearheaded the signing of the Treaty of Westminster in which her father, Ferdinand and Henry VIII collaborated militarily against France (PBS). Furthermore, when she was left in power for a short period, there was an invasion from Scotland and she was relegated to the archetypal role for women at the time, being a wife and a child bearer. Regarding children, Henry VIII knew the importance of having a male heir. When Catherine of Aragon miscarried twice, gave birth to an infant who died a short while after, and then birthed their only child, a girl, (Doran 87 - 89) the chances of having a child to succeed the throne were slim (“Henry VIII”). Though Henry VIII deeply cared for his daughter, Mary, (“Henry VIII”), this added tension to the marriage and was partially responsible for its end. Contributing to their separation as well was Henry VIII’s tendencies for extramarital affairs (Matusiak, 158), and Catherine of Aragon’s further commitment to piety as opposed to “lively court life that Henry still enjoyed” (“Henry

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