Henry VII's Reign and Shakespeare's Influence

Details about Henry Tudor's education are scarce. However, his tutor, Andreas Scotus, noted his exceptional learning abilities at a young age.

Henry Tudor witnessed the significant changes happening in France under Louis XI, where industrial, scientific, and technological advancements led to a doubling of national output in 22 years.

Henry Tudor's uncle, Jasper Tudor, was a significant figure in his life. Jasper fled England to Louis XI's court in France, providing Henry with exposure to the French court and its advancements.

Polydore Virgil, a historian, described Henry Tudor as intelligent, brave, resolute, with a strong memory and a scholarly mind. He also highlighted his graciousness, kindness, and hospitality.

Henry Tudor's character included a preference for peace while also being skilled in warfare. He prioritized justice and vigorously punished crime.

The Milanese ambassador highlighted Henry Tudor's cautious nature, his tendency to be fair and open in dealing with others, and his ability to consider all perspectives.

Shakespeare's plays were a powerful tool for educating the general population during the Elizabethan era, contributing to the spreading of knowledge and ideas.

Henry VII's reign exemplified the rising importance of the nation-state, a new form of political organization emphasizing centralized power and national identity.

Henry VII was known for his eloquence, wit, and profound knowledge of the law. He was also a skilled negotiator and a strong leader.

Richard Fox, a close advisor to Henry VII, served as the king's Foreign Minister, negotiating treaties and promoting the Renaissance in England.

Henry VII restored order and checked waste, strengthening the monarchy and forming an alliance with the middle class through the House of Commons.

Henry VII sought to replace the arbitrary rule of the nobility with a system where everyone was held accountable under the law, regardless of their status.

The Magna Carta was a charter imposed on the English king in 1215 by feudal barons, asserting the rights of the nobility against the king's efforts to unify the nation.

The Magna Carta protected nobles from forced participation in internal improvements, ensured free trade, and granted the lords the right to create a court that could overrule the king's decisions.

The Magna Carta is often misconstrued as an early document in the foundation of republican government, but it actually prioritized the rights of the nobility over the creation of a unified nation.

The Magna Carta is a significant historical document that illustrates the tensions between the monarch and the aristocracy in medieval England and its potential impact on political development.

After defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth, Henry VII quickly consolidated power by marrying Elizabeth, daughter of Edward IV, ending the Wars of the Roses and uniting the York and Lancaster families. He also granted pardons to his opponents, fostering peace and stability.

Henry VII aimed to govern England 'after the French fashion', meaning he adopted the centralized and bureaucratic style of Louis XI, French king known for consolidating power.

Unlike earlier monarchs, Henry VII surrounded himself with a council of middle-class individuals, prioritizing competence and shared commitment to establishing a nation-state focused on the general welfare.

Although nobles were present at court during Henry VII's reign, their real power was greatly diminished, signifying a shift in political influence towards the middle class.

John Morton, key figure in bringing Henry VII to power, served as a trusted advisor throughout the reign. Known for his integrity and intelligence, he could openly disagree with the king, earning respect.

Morton, as Bishop of Ely, undertook a massive project to drain the fens between Wisbech and Peterborough, demonstrating his commitment to practical improvements for the public good.

Thomas More, who was tutored by Morton, described him as an amiable and wise man, highlighting his diplomatic skills and sage judgment.

Through decisive actions and diplomatic maneuvers, Henry VII established a period of relative peace and stability in England, laying the foundation for the Tudor dynasty.

Erasmus believed that Christians should transcend the physical world and reach a spiritual realm by following Plato's ideas, which he saw as a path to escape worldly temptations.

Erasmus, Colet, and More advocated for education to mold citizens into ideal leaders, resembling Plato's 'philosopher king,' who govern with wisdom and reason.

Erasmus stressed that genuine nobility comes from self-transformation through learning, leading to actions guided by reason and aiming for good.

Erasmus proposed using the Platonic method, with a focus on studying the Classics, as a way to educate children and develop their minds.

Erasmus and his associates, like Colet and More, advocated for a shift in education, emphasizing the Platonic approach over the traditional scholastic methods.

John Colet, a key figure in the movement, lectured at Oxford, challenging the prevalent Aristotelian methods and emphasizing the connection between Paul's Epistles and Plato's philosophy.

Established by Colet with Henry VIII's support, St. Paul's School became a model for the adoption of Platonist methods in English grammar schools.

Erasmus's efforts, along with his collaborators, aimed to establish a new generation of thinkers by introducing the Platonic method of education.

Erasmus believed that language should be learned naturally, not through rigid grammar rules. Studying great authors in Greek and Latin was key to mastering it.

Colet believed teaching logic would hinder students' natural learning process and stifle their minds.

William Lily, a scholar who studied in Oxford and Italy, was chosen by Colet to develop the curriculum for St. Paul's School.

Erasmus's works like De Copia and Colloquies aimed to teach students the spoken language through dialogues, bridging the gap between written and spoken forms.

St. Paul's School, founded by Colet, became a blueprint for educational reform in England, promoting the importance of language learning and humanist education.

The educational system of St. Paul's, focusing on language and humanist studies, spread across England, influencing the development of grammar schools and English education.

During the Tudor dynasty, literacy rates in England rose significantly due to the widespread adoption of the Erasmian educational system.

The ideas and materials developed by Erasmus, particularly his Colloquies, were brought to America by Puritan colonists, influencing early grammar schools in New England.

The War of the Roses was a conflict between two royal families: the House of York (represented by Edward IV) and the House of Lancaster (represented by Henry VI). Edward IV ultimately triumphed in 1471, leading to a Yorkist rule.

After Edward IV died in 1483, his brother Richard, the regent, quickly consolidated power. He then had his nephews declared illegitimate, claiming the throne and becoming King Richard III.

Richard III's actions, including the murder of his potential rivals, led to widespread discontent among both the nobility and the common people.

Henry Tudor, a descendant of the House of Lancaster, capitalized on Richard III's unpopularity. He gathered an army in France, returned to England, and won at the Battle of Bosworth, ending the War of the Roses and starting the Tudor dynasty.

Henry VII, the first Tudor king, marked a significant shift in governance, moving away from the feudal system and towards a more centralized, nation-state model, focused on national unity and stability.

Henry VII surrounded himself with intellectuals like Richard Fox and John Morton, who provided strategic advice and played a pivotal role in shaping his reign.

During this period, the Venetian financial oligarchy increasingly influenced European politics, creating divisions and undermining the unity sought by leaders like Henry VII and Erasmus.

Shakespeare's portrayal of Sir Thomas More presents him as a role model, motivated by a desire for the common good, and recognizing the danger of placing personal gain above public service.