“Henry V111s actions as a king destroyed Henry V11 legacy” ‘asses the validity of this view in the year “1485-
1514”
Conclusion:
In conclusion Henry V111 actions as a king removed most traces of his father’s legacy. Going to war with
France resulted in the loss of European peace, and the liquification and loss of his father's treasury as a result
of imprudent spending, a weak personal monarchy, and inconsistent council all contributed to Henry V111's
legacy being severely damaged. However, HenryV111 was able to carry out a few redeemable actions such as a
diplomatic marriage and ensuring a male heir could carry the dynasty on. However, it was evident that he had
isolated himself from his father's legacy and had done significant damage to it.
Paragraph 1- peace in Europe being lost
Point: Some may choose to argue that Henry V111s actions as king did destroy his father’s legacy seen through
peace in Europe being lost
Evidence: This is evidenced through Henry V111 decision to invade and attack France in June 1512 and thus
resulting in a war between the two nations.
Explain: Henry wanted to make his mark on the international stage , become the “medieval warrior king” and
retrieve lost ancestral lands
-This foreign policy action by Henry V111 was a large failure and resulted in severe consequences such as
heightened tensions with France and peace in Europe being lost.
Explore -significant in relation to Henry V11 legacy as throughout his reign his foreign policy aim was to ensure
peaceful relations with neighbouring European countries. The more allies a country had the safer and more
powerful it would be.
-The war with France broke that and subsequently the previous treaty of Ayton
-This therefore put England in a dangerous position and the threat of invasion was heighted
-therefore, Henry V111 actions to invade France did destroy the legacy of Henry V11.
Paragraph 2: money + fathers’ assets being lost
Point: Some may choose to argue that Henry V111 actions as king did destroy his father legacy seen through
the liquidation of his father’s treasury and assets.
Evidence: This can be evidenced through the depletion of the £300,000 his father left him, and the extravagant
and expensive parties held.
Explain: Henry V111 irresponsible spending in the first 5 years of his reign on parties , his coronation and the
pointless war with France resulted in his fathers’ assets being severely reduced.
-resulted in high taxation and requests to parliament
Explore: This destroyed Henry V11 legacy as Henry V11 reign was characterised by the strict financial policies
placed on nobility and gentry in order to increase revenue. Henry V11 spent his reign making sure he was
financially secure . Being financially secure meant being more powerful , stable and able to withstand any
issues such as wars and rebellion – placed England in a more powerful position financially than any previous
monarch had done
-However, Henry V111 destroyed this – England was financially insecure and weaker than it had previously
been
Paragraph 3: disagree – marriage
Point : However, some may choose to disagree with this statement and argue that Henry V111 was able to
secure the Tudor dynasty through marriage and succession .
Evidence :marriage to Catherine of Aragon early in his reign ( June 1509) + multiple marriages throughout reign
Explain: Henry V111 just like Henry V11 wanted to ensure that his reign was stabilised through the
continuation of the Tudor line and they both did this through diplomatic marriage alliances
-these alliances both ensured that the Tudor line would be established through the insinuation of an heir
-an heir would continue the Tudor dynasty and reduce any rival threats
-makes the reign more secure
1514”
Conclusion:
In conclusion Henry V111 actions as a king removed most traces of his father’s legacy. Going to war with
France resulted in the loss of European peace, and the liquification and loss of his father's treasury as a result
of imprudent spending, a weak personal monarchy, and inconsistent council all contributed to Henry V111's
legacy being severely damaged. However, HenryV111 was able to carry out a few redeemable actions such as a
diplomatic marriage and ensuring a male heir could carry the dynasty on. However, it was evident that he had
isolated himself from his father's legacy and had done significant damage to it.
Paragraph 1- peace in Europe being lost
Point: Some may choose to argue that Henry V111s actions as king did destroy his father’s legacy seen through
peace in Europe being lost
Evidence: This is evidenced through Henry V111 decision to invade and attack France in June 1512 and thus
resulting in a war between the two nations.
Explain: Henry wanted to make his mark on the international stage , become the “medieval warrior king” and
retrieve lost ancestral lands
-This foreign policy action by Henry V111 was a large failure and resulted in severe consequences such as
heightened tensions with France and peace in Europe being lost.
Explore -significant in relation to Henry V11 legacy as throughout his reign his foreign policy aim was to ensure
peaceful relations with neighbouring European countries. The more allies a country had the safer and more
powerful it would be.
-The war with France broke that and subsequently the previous treaty of Ayton
-This therefore put England in a dangerous position and the threat of invasion was heighted
-therefore, Henry V111 actions to invade France did destroy the legacy of Henry V11.
Paragraph 2: money + fathers’ assets being lost
Point: Some may choose to argue that Henry V111 actions as king did destroy his father legacy seen through
the liquidation of his father’s treasury and assets.
Evidence: This can be evidenced through the depletion of the £300,000 his father left him, and the extravagant
and expensive parties held.
Explain: Henry V111 irresponsible spending in the first 5 years of his reign on parties , his coronation and the
pointless war with France resulted in his fathers’ assets being severely reduced.
-resulted in high taxation and requests to parliament
Explore: This destroyed Henry V11 legacy as Henry V11 reign was characterised by the strict financial policies
placed on nobility and gentry in order to increase revenue. Henry V11 spent his reign making sure he was
financially secure . Being financially secure meant being more powerful , stable and able to withstand any
issues such as wars and rebellion – placed England in a more powerful position financially than any previous
monarch had done
-However, Henry V111 destroyed this – England was financially insecure and weaker than it had previously
been
Paragraph 3: disagree – marriage
Point : However, some may choose to disagree with this statement and argue that Henry V111 was able to
secure the Tudor dynasty through marriage and succession .
Evidence :marriage to Catherine of Aragon early in his reign ( June 1509) + multiple marriages throughout reign
Explain: Henry V111 just like Henry V11 wanted to ensure that his reign was stabilised through the
continuation of the Tudor line and they both did this through diplomatic marriage alliances
-these alliances both ensured that the Tudor line would be established through the insinuation of an heir
-an heir would continue the Tudor dynasty and reduce any rival threats
-makes the reign more secure
