King Henry VII: Gangster or Monarch?

What was the primary reason for Henry VII to ensure he had the finest cannons in the land?

What distinguished cannons as the most feared weapons during Henry VII's reign?

Why did Henry VII ban private armies?

How did gangsters typically acquire money according to the passage?

Why was Henry VII desperate to remain king after becoming one?

In what way did Henry VII differ from a typical gangster according to the text?

What family did Henry VII belong to?

How did Henry VII deal with rich people in his kingdom?

Which symbol is mentioned as associated with the Tudor family in the text?

How did Henry VII strengthen ties with Spain?

What was the outcome when Henry VII died in 1509?

How did Henry VII handle the taxes imposed on rich people's savings?

The Concept of a Gangster

A gangster is someone who is powerful and often involved in unfair or criminal activities.
They get money from people (sometimes unfairly) and make deals to increase their power.
They often live lavish lifestyles and enjoy showing off their wealth and power.
They sometimes use weapons to bully people.

Henry VII and His Tactics

Henry VII was the King of England and Wales after beating King Richard III in the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.
He was desperate to remain king and did things to keep his position safe.
He banned private armies to prevent powerful men from using them against him.
He fined a rich lord £10,000 for failing to get rid of his private army.
He married Elizabeth of York, a member of the rival York family, to unite the rival families and secure his position.

Henry VII's Financial Tactics

He forced rich people to pay heavy taxes, claiming they could afford to pay.
He sent ministers around the country to look for large, expensive houses and forced the owners to pay a large tax.
He also forced people who were living a careful and frugal lifestyle to hand over some of their savings in tax.

Henry VII's Deals and Legacy

He made deals with other countries, such as getting the French king to pay him not to fight.
He arranged marriages for his children with foreign royals, such as Catherine of Aragon and the King of France.
When he died in 1509, the throne was safe, and England was at peace.
His son, Henry VIII, became king without opposition, and Henry VII left behind a fortune.

Explore the tactics used by King Henry VII to consolidate power and his utilization of cannons as weapons. Reflect on whether the term 'gangster' could be used to describe an English king. Delve into the life and reign of Henry VII to assess his strategies for strengthening his rule.