Was Henry VIII a Bad King?
All Myths of Truths?
Henry VIII is remembered as a brutal tyrant who executed his wives and all those who opposed him. However, how many of these claims were true? Although his brutality was likely true, this is not enough to definitively paint him as a “bad king” as some of the greatest rulers in History were just as harsh, if not more than the English King. Furthermore, the King’s personal affairs should not be a deciding factor on the reputation of Henry VIII, as the state of England before, during, and after his reign is just as important. As a result, a comprehensive review of the infamous King’s reign is needed, with not only his own actions discussed but the effects it had on the country.
England during the Rule
During the reign of Henry VIII’s father, England had been dragged out of the War of the Roses, which nearly tore the country itself due to economic downturn and political instability. As a result, Henry VIII had a low bar to clear, as whatever the country went through during his reign had to be an improvement from the past century.
Nevertheless, the King did implement several novelty laws that proved to be widely positive for the country. For instance, his expansion of the navy from a measly seven warships to a respectable armada of forty-five proved to be instrumental in the…
