Exam 1, Question 1The Protestant Reformation of the Church of England took place over a period of one hundred years under the Tudor monarchy. Beginning with Henry VIII's desire to divorce Catherine of Aragon, the Reformation exposed deep divisions within English society. The radical efforts of Edward VI and Mary turned into religious persecution. It was left to Elizabeth, the last of the Tudor dynasty, to institute the final reforms and ensure the success of Protestantism within the Church of England. Henry VIII separated the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church for selfish reasons. Henry, frustrated by the delays and apologies he received from Pope Clement VII, declared himself "overseer and supreme head" of the Church of England. This effectively separated the Church of England from the Catholic Church. Henry could now annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Although the Church of England was no longer in conformity with the Roman Catholic Church, it nonetheless remained Catholic in its look and feel. The only major change implemented by Henry was the dissolution of monasteries and convents. Since monastic orders owed allegiance to the pope, Henry could not tolerate them in England. Henry confiscated their lands and wealth and distributed them to his supporters. Unlike his father, Henry, Edward VI allowed radical changes within the Church of England. Edward came to the throne as a young child and was greatly influenced by his advisors, devout Protestants. They were incredibly motivated to reform the doctrines and rituals of the Anglican Church. Priests were officially allowed to marry. Because the Latin services were exchanged for English services, a new prayer book was published middle of paper...... the military experience of its founder in his organization. The group's leader, the Black Pope, acted like a general and imposed strict discipline within the organization. Because of its missionary and educational role, the society meets and confronts Protestants directly and daily. The Counter-Reformation triggered by the Council of Trent and under the leadership of the Jesuits reinvigorated the Catholics. This new energy helped spread Catholicism to areas of Europe converted to Protestantism and export the Catholic faith to colonial settlements in the New World. The Jesuits' educational efforts led to broader literacy in Catholic areas. Counter-Reformation leaders also founded a tradition of charity by preaching the benefits of almsgiving and the founding of orphanages. This provided shelter to the large number of poor people.