Source A: Henry VIII's Proclamation

'The monasteries are a source of corruption and idleness; their dissolution will benefit the kingdom.' Provenance: Royal decree issued by Henry VIII, 1536.

This source shows Henry VIII's official justification for dissolving the monasteries, portraying the move as necessary for the good of the kingdom. It reflects the political and religious motivations behind the act.

Read the following statements and categorize each as Political, Social, Economic, or Religious:

Statement 1: The desire to seize monastic land and wealth.

Statement 2: The influence of Protestant ideas spreading in England.

Statement 3: Concern over moral decay and corruption in monasteries.

Statement 4: Henry VIII's need to assert his authority over the church.

Statement 5: The public's dissatisfaction with the wealth of monasteries.

Source B: Henry VIII's Reformation Policy

'The dissolution is necessary to establish royal supremacy and reform the church.' Provenance: Henry VIII's speech to the Parliament, 1535.

Using your knowledge, rank the following factors in order of importance in the Dissolution of the Monasteries:

• Political motives
• Religious reform
• Economic gain
• Social unrest

Justify your ranking with evidence from sources and your understanding.