Why is it that we in the UK love Henry VIII when it is clear he was a murderer. He killed his wives cos apparently they didnt have rights - where were their rights? Its taught to us in schools - divorced beheaded died - divorced beheaded survived. Yet he is taught to us as an inspiration. Human rights are for everyone and yet this guy or king should i say violated womens rights. Should he be held as a hero?
2007-05-20 11:30:51 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
He stood up to the Catholic Church, and changed the rules so accommodate his desires, thereby forming The Church of England. He was a monarch, and it is rare for anyone to speak of any of the Royal's wrongdoings. It's all hush-hush. Like Diana being killed, Charles having affairs while still married to her, I could go on, but you understand what I mean.
2007-05-20 11:37:41 · answer #1 · answered by Hot Coco Puff 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
It saddens me that Henry is remembered that way. He was a brilliant statesman, a fierce soldier, a man who spoke his mind and did exactly as he wished in a time when you did as you were told. Woman had NO rights, if your husband said it it was right, if the king decreed it it was right. Period.
There was no question of right and wrong, there could be no question. There were no womens rights to violate. Women were property, rather like cattle.
He was a man of learning, he loved deeply and quickly but fell out of love just as quickly. There are not many avenues for a monach in that respect. You lineage and decendants are everything, his crown was perilously held, many believed his father had been undeserving, the lengths he went to to secure a male heir were extreme I agree, but push a lion into a corner, and you have to deal with the reprocussions.
Henry also founded the Church of England, an institution that many revere to this very day. Is he remembered for that? No. Just six marriages.
2007-05-24 06:47:53 · answer #2 · answered by MTsBabydoll 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the past, he was certainly regarded as something of a hero, mainly due to his many fine deeds as a soldier and politician.
There is no doubt he was a man of many aspects. As well as his notorious love life (which was really about the quest to produce a male heir), he was also a soldier, poet and wise statesman.
He was also vain, foolish and prone to listen to the flattery of worthless people instead of valuing those who really did care about him.
In his old age, he did mellow and had many regrets for the conduct of his earlier life.
In other words ~ a very human man in an era when kings could not consider themselves 'ordinary' in any sense of the word.
Of course by today's standards we are rightly horrified by his terrible treatment of his wives, but it is important to remember that standards of the past were different, and many people at the time supported what he did for political reasons.
We are fortunate to live in kinder times, due in some ways to the legacy of these ancient tyrants.
You will find many good books, and even novels, about King Henry VIII's life. He really was an interesting man and lived in fascinating times (not unlike our own, in some ways). I hope you will enjoy looking into his life and history in the future!
Every best wish :-)
2007-05-20 18:42:26 · answer #3 · answered by thing55000 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Human rights and freedom are a realitively modern concept. The human rights back then were what Henry said they were. We cannot possibly impose our ideas on a monarch from many hundreds of years ago.
2007-05-20 18:34:21 · answer #4 · answered by Oldvet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He brought the 'English Reformation' which lead to England leaving the influence of the pope and the catholic church.
Which founded the church of England.
And I think its taught because England is still politically a protestant nation as is its monarch.
He founded the Royal Navy...
But yeah I still dont like him, he was once voted one of britains top 100 people (whatever that means), but yeah all he is remembered for is his wives. But saying that, there are worse atrocities in history.
And now you mention it, rights (women, race...) is a relatively new concept, and to be fair to them, they didnt live to our standards in the past.
Just like future generations will look back on us in disgust.
2007-05-20 18:40:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
He was the boss, he could do as he liked.A bit OTT I grant you but it's gone too far the other way now. Criminals (including baby murderers) have rights. How many criminals in jail have been granted £'000s for breaches of their 'rights'?
I can imagine how I would feel if my child's murderer/molester or my mother's mugger was given money like this.
Criminals voluntarily and knowingly deliberately break the law, they should forfeit many of the rights law-abiding citizens have.
2007-05-20 19:00:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
What the Heck?
He gave everybody a good laugh! (Except his wives.And they never laugh at their husband's jokes anyway)
Saved a fortune in Alimony!
2007-05-20 19:54:21 · answer #7 · answered by Vincent A 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
we dont love him do we?
Its just hes more well known than others because of his atrocities.
Its not as if we have a national day of worship for him!
2007-05-21 07:23:29 · answer #8 · answered by Catwhiskers 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't see that he's herolded..but rather that his life was very interesting..and so we like to learn more about it. Like watching a car crash..you can't take your eyes away...
2007-05-20 18:36:04 · answer #9 · answered by bresmama 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dude had great PR.
2007-05-20 18:34:46 · answer #10 · answered by lcraesharbor 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋