Do you agree with the view that the most important changes in the 1530s were in the creation of the Royal Supremacy rather than in religious belief? Explain your answer, using Sources 4, 5 and 6 and your own knowledge. (40)

Intro

The Act of Six Articles, issued in 1939 after some years of dispute and confusion, emphasised that Catholic practices should continue in the English Church. However, Henry had made himself Head of the Church through the Act of Supremacy, therefore making himself Head of Church and the Government. This consequently marked a great change, because one of the arguments against the presence of the Church was that it held too much power independently of the state. Cardinal Wolsey fell on the charge on praemunire, following Papal laws which superseded those of the state. Henry had accused the entire clergy of this act on 1531, fining them accordingly. It can be argued that Royal Supremacy excelled religious belief occasionally during this decade of change, as Source 5 states the King 'overturned the opinion of the majority', however overall religious belief was still the underlying and underpinning reason for change. 

Rest of Paragraphs:

• Sources which agree with Question (cross-reference)

• Own knowledge which agrees (link to source)

• Sources which disagree with Question (cross-reference)

• Own knowledge which disagrees (link to source)

-Use both source and own knowledge to reach a judement