‘Describe the stages by which Wolsey rose to power’
The first major step by which Wolsey rose to power was in 1509, when he came to the attention of Henry VII. Wolsey was appointed to the post of almoner. This gave him the opportunity to impress Henry with his intellectual and organisational skills and to get a seat on the council which started his very successful political career. Wolsey entered into the service of Sir Richard Nanfan who as deputy lieutenant of Calais recognised Wolsey’s talent for administration. Nanfan recommended Wolsey to the king on his retirement in 1506 and in 1507 Wolsey became a chaplain to Henry VII and became friends with Richard Fox. Later the king employed Wolsey as a diplomat
On the king’s death there was a risk that Wolsey may lose everything. Many other government employees of the previous king were dismissed by the new king Henry VIII. However in 1509 Wolsey stayed dominant with the help of Richard Fox when he secured the deanery of Hereford. From here Wolsey continued to rise with increased trust from the king. On one occasion the chancellor accepted a bill that Wolsey gave. It was a direct order from the king but it lacked the privy seal and signet that authenticated it. However it was accepted and this shows a large element of trust between the king and Wolsey and also those close to the king. This trust would increase Wolsey’s popularity and importance and therefore his rise to power.
The military strike against France in August 1513 at Tournai was partly run by Wolsey. This successful attempt to gain respect in Europe was partly due to Wolsey’s organisational skills and this gave him more respect and power as a reward from the king. Wolsey even accompanied the king followed by a train of 200 gentlemen showing the dominance that Wolsey had. A month later the English also defeated the Scots at Flodden Field.
The Essay on Martin King and Henry Thoreau
Martin King and Henry Thoreau both write persuasive expositions that oppose majority ideals and justify their own causes. While this similarity is clear, the two essays, “Letters from Birmingham Jail” by King and “Civil Disobedience” by Thoreau, do have their fair share of differences. Primarily in the causes themselves, as King persuades white, southern clergy men that ...
Wolsey was present throughout the campaign and at the kings request was named by the Pope, Bishop of Tournay. He was consecrated at Lambeth palace in 1514 and he became Archbishop of York and on 10 Sep 1515, was created Cardinal. A month later he became Lord Chancellor of England. This was the ultimate achievement that anyone could have got. This was the rise of Wolsey to huge power in England, as being Lord Chancellor was an extremely important job. A Venetian Ambassador remarked how Wolsey should be called “Ipse Rex” (The king himself) due to the magnitude of the title and job that Wolsey was given.
Seeing as Wolsey was from a disadvantaged background with not being a noble or particularly wealthy, Wolsey managed to rise right to the top of a political career. Some luck was involved in that he was recommended to Henry by several friends but mainly it was due to Wolsey’s remarkable organisational and diplomatic skills and sheer intellectual knowledge. This allowed Wolsey to show off his skills the king and gain trust and that would then lead to his rise in power.
