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King Henry Viii's Role In The Feudal System

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King Henry VIII sought to protect his dignity by sustaining the Tudor reign. He was both prideful and greedy in character; which is supported by his determination in producing a male heir. He was so determined, he was willing to do anything - including betraying, divorcing and beheading his wives. In addition, Henry VIII was a strong participant in the Feudal System. Life in the Medieval castle was directed by the pyramid-shaped Feudal System. This was based on the opinion that the land belonged to God - but that the kings, who governed by Divine Right, controlled the land as they pleased. Henry VIII used this system to his advantage; he eradicated anyone who got in his way. This included but is not limited to, his wife, Anne Boleyn, Pope Clement …show more content…

Throughout the Middle Ages, the king possessed the greatest amount of power and influence in all of England, right after the Pope of course. In view of this, Henry VIII was able to control the fate of his six wives. He was desperate for an heir to the throne and insisted on divorcing his first wife, but “the pope refused to grant a divorce” (Hung). His “efforts to divorce Catherine,” soon “became a parting of the ways for the English political elite” (David 420). In view of this, Henry VIII was so determined to get his way that “he started a church of his own. He got his divorce and stayed on the throne” (Hung). In addition to the fall of Queen Catherine, others were punished for dishonoring the king’s commands. This included, the king’s Minister, Cardinal Wolsey, who “failed to get the divorce from Rome” (David 420 ). Evidently, Henry VIII was willing to do anything it took to get rid of people who dissatisfied him. This connects to the Code of Chivalry because similar to the relationship between knights and their King, Henry VII expected his wives and court members to maintain their loyalty. In other words, those who did not follow through with their responsibilities, were

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