Historian A: John Guy – Economic Perspective "John Guy argues that Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries was primarily driven by economic motives. He suggests that Henry aimed to seize monastic wealth and land to strengthen royal finances and fund his policies, especially wars and the restructuring of government. Guy emphasizes that the economic benefits for the crown were a major reason behind the dissolution, viewing it as a strategic financial move that increased royal income and reduced the power of the church. This interpretation highlights the material gains Henry sought from this significant religious and social upheaval."

Historian B: Diarmaid MacCulloch – Social and Religious Perspective "Diarmaid MacCulloch presents the dissolution as a profound social and religious upheaval. He argues that Henry VIII's actions were motivated by a desire to break from Catholic traditions and establish royal supremacy over the church. MacCulloch emphasizes the social consequences, such as the loss of monastic charity and community support. He sees the dissolution as a pivotal moment that transformed English society, leading to religious reformation and the decline of monastic influence. His focus is on the societal and spiritual impacts of Henry's policies."

Questions:

1. Summarize each historian's view on the main reason behind the Dissolution of Monasteries. (3 marks)

   • Marking: Look for clear identification of each historian's perspective.
   • Model answer: "John Guy believes the dissolution was mainly for economic reasons, to increase royal wealth, while Diarmaid MacCulloch sees it as driven by religious and social reform goals."

2. Compare the two historians' views and explain why they differ. (4 marks)

   • Marking: Look for understanding of differing perspectives and reasons (e.g., focus on economic vs. social/religious motives).
   • Model answer: "They differ because John Guy emphasizes financial motives, viewing the dissolution as a means for Henry to increase wealth, whereas MacCulloch focuses on religious and social reform, seeing it as a way for Henry to break from Catholic traditions and reshape society."

3. Explain which interpretation you find more convincing and give reasons. (5 marks)

   • Marking: Look for analysis and personal judgment supported by evidence.
   • Model answer: "I find MacCulloch's interpretation more convincing because the dissolution had profound religious and social impacts, such as the decline of monasteries' social roles and the Reformation, which are well-documented and align with broader societal changes of the period."

4. Outline how the dissolution affected ordinary people in England according to the social perspective. (3 marks)

   • Marking: Focus on social impact details.
   • Model answer: "According to MacCulloch, the dissolution led to the loss of charity and support provided by monasteries, negatively affecting the poor and communities that depended on monastic aid."

5. Identify one piece of evidence each historian uses to support their view. (2 marks)

   • Marking: Look for specific evidence cited in their arguments.
   • Model answer: "Guy refers to the wealth seized from monasteries, while MacCulloch points to the social role of monasteries in communities and their decline post-dissolution."

6. Describe how Henry VIII's motives for the dissolution might have changed over time, based on these perspectives. (4 marks)

   • Marking: Look for understanding of potential shifts or overlaps in motives.
   • Model answer: "Initially, Henry's motives may have been driven by religious reform, as MacCulloch suggests, but economic motives became more prominent later, especially as the crown sought to increase revenue, aligning with Guy's view."

7. Compare the potential biases or limitations in each historian's interpretation. (4 marks)

   • Marking: Look for awareness of sources, perspective, and possible bias.
   • Model answer: "Guy's economic focus might overlook the social and religious upheavals, while MacCulloch's emphasis on social and religious change may understate the financial motives and political calculations involved."

8. Evaluate why understanding both perspectives provides a fuller picture of the dissolution. (5 marks)

   • Marking: Look for synthesis and critical evaluation.
   • Model answer: "Considering both perspectives helps us understand that Henry's motives were complex, involving both financial gain and religious reform, which together led to the profound social and political changes of the period."