Henry VII's Reign and Shakespeare's Influence

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Questions and Answers

What role did Shakespeare's plays serve during Henry VII's time?

Shakespeare's plays were a powerful tool for mass education of the population.

What did Henry Tudor's tutor, Andreas Scotus, say about him?

He remarked that he had never seen a boy of such quickness and capability of learning at that age.

How did the political situation in France contrast with that in England during Henry's early life?

While England faced infighting among feudal lords, France experienced dramatic development under Louis XI.

Who primarily cared for Henry Tudor after his father's death?

Henry was under the care of his uncle, Jasper Tudor. Signup and view all the answers

What accolades did Polydore Virgil attribute to Henry Tudor's character?

He described him as distinguished, wise, prudent, and generous, with a brave mind. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Milanese ambassador's perspective on Henry Tudor's approach to others?

The ambassador praised Henry's cautiousness and fairness in dealing with others. Signup and view all the answers

What was Henry Tudor's constitutional inclination regarding war?

He was constitutionally more inclined to peace than to war. Signup and view all the answers

How did Henry Tudor demonstrate his commitment to justice?

He vigorously punished violence, manslaughter, and other wicked behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Henry VII take to consolidate power after defeating Richard III?

He married Elizabeth, daughter of Edward IV, to end the wars between the opposing Houses. Signup and view all the answers

How did Henry VII's approach to ruling England differ from that of previous monarchs?

He focused on consolidating power in himself while surrounding himself with advisors from the middle classes. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of Henry VII’s pardoning of his opponents following the Battle of Bosworth?

It led to the collapse of an uprising in the north and contributed to a sense of peace. Signup and view all the answers

Who was John Morton and what role did he play during Henry VII's reign?

John Morton was Henry VII's most senior advisor, known for his integrity and vision. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Henry VII governing 'after the French fashion'?

It indicated a desire for strong, centralized governance similar to that of Louis XI of France. Signup and view all the answers

How did Morton contribute to the development of infrastructure during his time?

He undertook projects like draining the fens and constructing waterways for transportation. Signup and view all the answers

What did Thomas More later say about John Morton?

He described Morton as having an amiable reverence that was pleasant to behold. Signup and view all the answers

How did the presence of nobles at court during Henry VII's reign compare to their actual power?

Nobles were conspicuous at court but held less real power than at any other time in history. Signup and view all the answers

How did Henry VII's approach to monarchy differ from that of the feudal nobility?

Henry VII's approach focused on law and accountability for all, rather than allowing the nobles to exercise arbitrary power. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Richard Fox play in Henry VII's administration?

Richard Fox served as an advisor and was instrumental in negotiating treaties, acting as the closest figure to a Foreign Minister. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did Henry VII introduce to the conception of law in England?

He aimed to replace the arbitrary rule of the nobles with a system where everyone, regardless of status, was legally accountable. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the oath taken by the Lords and House of Commons on November 19?

The oath was intended to address the lawlessness of the feudal nobility and establish a commitment to uphold the law. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Magna Carta influence the relationship between the king and the nobles?

The Magna Carta established the rights of the nobility and limited the monarch's power over internal improvements and trade. Signup and view all the answers

What were the consequences of Henry VII raising the crown above the nobles?

This action helped stabilize the monarchy and form a crucial alliance with the middle class, who relied on royal protection. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did Henry VII promote the middle class during his reign?

He acted through their representatives in the House of Commons to ensure their stability and livelihoods depended on his authority. Signup and view all the answers

What limitations did the Magna Carta impose on the king regarding trade?

It prohibited the king from imposing tariffs and controlling trade, ensuring free trade practices. Signup and view all the answers

What does Erasmus suggest is necessary for a Christian to transcend the physical realm?

Erasmus suggests that a Christian must look beyond sense certainty to the realm of Platonic ideas. Signup and view all the answers

How does Erasmus define true nobility?

Erasmus defines true nobility as being based on transforming oneself through learning to behave guided by reason and seek the good. Signup and view all the answers

What educational approach did Erasmus, Colet, and More advocate for in their teaching methods?

They advocated for the Platonist method of education, which emphasized learning through the Classics. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of St. Paul's School in the context of English education?

St. Paul's School became a model for the reorganization of English grammar schools throughout the country. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Erasmus's arrival in England during Henry VII's reign notable?

Erasmus's arrival was notable because he found support for new educational methods, departing from the traditional scholastic approach. Signup and view all the answers

What role did John Colet play in the advancement of education during this period?

John Colet played a pivotal role by lecturing on Paul's Epistles and rejecting Aristotelian methods, promoting a more coherent Platonic approach. Signup and view all the answers

How did More demonstrate the potential for girls' education in his teachings?

More demonstrated the potential for girls' education through the education of his three daughters, proving that they could become highly educated. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common challenge faced by Erasmus and his collaborators in promoting their educational reforms?

A common challenge was the dominance of old scholastic methods at universities, which resisted the introduction of new ideas. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Colet select when Erasmus declined to write a curriculum?

William Lily Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of Erasmus's De Ratione Studii regarding language learning?

Language should be learned as it is spoken, not just as grammatical rules. Signup and view all the answers

What type of dialogues did Erasmus use in his educational writings?

Platonic dialogues Signup and view all the answers

Why did Colet reject the teaching of logic in his educational method?

He recognized that it would stultify the mind. Signup and view all the answers

What significant transformation occurred in literacy rates by 1615 in England?

Literacy reached around 33 percent. Signup and view all the answers

What major educational influence did the Massachusetts Puritans bring to America?

The Erasmian educational system. Signup and view all the answers

What was the official Latin Grammar textbook drafted by Colet, Lily, and Erasmus used for?

It was used in schools throughout England. Signup and view all the answers

How did St. Paul's School contribute to the transformation of education during Henry VIII's reign?

It served as a model for numerous schools established during that time. Signup and view all the answers

What actions did Richard III take soon after becoming regent?

Richard III seized power and crowned himself King, while also murdering potential rivals. Signup and view all the answers

How did Henry Tudor's background in France benefit him upon his return to England?

Henry Tudor was able to gather an army and assemble a core group of learned advisers for his future government. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event marked the transition from Richard III to Henry VII?

The significant event was Henry Tudor's victory at the Battle of Bosworth. Signup and view all the answers

How did Shakespeare portray Thomas More in relation to wealth and power?

Shakespeare portrayed More as a model citizen, motivated by the General Welfare and cautious of becoming fixated on wealth and power. Signup and view all the answers

What decline did Europe experience during Henry VII's time, according to the text?

Europe experienced increasing division into hostile blocs rather than a community of principle. Signup and view all the answers

In what way was Henry VII considered a 'new type of ruler'?

Henry VII was considered a new type of ruler because his governance was based on the concept of a nation-state rather than feudal brigandage. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Shakespeare's works play in the education of the population?

Shakespeare's works played a vital role in promoting the concept of responsible citizenship among the populations. Signup and view all the answers

What maxim did More suggest regarding power and greatness?

More suggested that being great involves recognizing the dangers of ambition and the risks associated with power. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Six Hundred Years Ago

A handful of individuals revolutionized statecraft by creating the sovereign nation-state.
King Louis XI (r. 1464-85) established the first nation-state in France.
Henry VII (r. 1485-1509) established the second in England.
These governments were monarchies, not republics.

American Republics

Americans often associate republics with self-government through representative elections.
Establishing self-government presents a paradox.
Can people effectively govern themselves?
Good government isn't merely about creating good institutions; it's about maintaining them.

The English Nation-State

Pre-Henry VII England was characterized by a population (95%) living in impoverished conditions similar to serfs.
Life expectancy was low, around 30 years.
The population was roughly 2.25 million.
England was dominated by a relatively small number of powerful families.
They often held more power than the king's own government.
Shakespeare's plays were crucial in educating the population about the principles of self-governance.

The Hundred Years' War

The English monarchy (under the Plantagenets) was involved in continuous conflicts across Europe.
The English attempted to create a nation-state against opposition from Venice.
The war frequently led to economic contraction in Europe (e.g. the Black Death).

Shakespeare's Plays

Shakespeare's plays covered English history from King John to Henry VIII.
They explored the conflicts and crises of the nation's political leadership and questionable leadership. (Kings)
These plays conveyed the relationship between rulers and the population, highlighting the need for good government.
They promoted democratic education.

Henry VII's Reign

During Henry VII's reign, England experienced a fundamental shift.
It moved away from feudalism towards a government focused on national economic development.
Henry VII's actions aimed to increase the productivity and living standards of the population through infrastructure and technology improvements.
He made the monarchy more powerful (centralized).
He focused on the development of English industries, such as shipbuilding, metalworking, and cloth manufacturing.
His policies successfully created a stable, wealthy nation.
More emphasis on education to help achieve the goal of general welfare.

The Renaissance

The work of humanists like Erasmus of Rotterdam and Thomas More significantly supported the educational changes that led to improved governance.

The Magna Carta

The Magna Carta was a charter that established the rights of nobles.
It was not in agreement with the English monarchy.
It aimed to limit the king's power and placed the ruling power in the hands of nobles. (opposed to the king)

Henry VII's Religious Policies

Henry VII maintained a relatively tolerant stance towards Catholicism and other religions.
This policy fostered peace.
He consolidated power in himself and the nation-state.

The King's Role in the Economy

Henry VII prioritized the general welfare of the population.
He implemented new laws to control prices, wages, and commerce.
He established new courts and a system for legal appeals.

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Description

Explore the intricate relationship between Henry VII's reign and the role of Shakespeare's plays during this period. This quiz delves into the political landscape of England and France, key figures who influenced Henry, and the constitutional changes he enacted. Test your knowledge on the significant events and character attributes associated with Henry Tudor.