Act of Supremacy
Definition
The Act of Supremacy was an act passed by English Parliament under Henry VIII in 1534 that declared him and his successors as the 'Supreme Head' on earth of the Church of England, thereby separating it from papal authority.
Analogy
Imagine if you were playing a game where someone else made all the rules. One day, you decide you're tired of their rules so you create your own game where you make all the rules. That's what Henry VIII did with the Act of Supremacy - he took control away from Rome (the rule maker) and gave it to himself.
Related terms
Dissolution of Monasteries: This refers to Henry VIII's policy (1536–1541) whereby monastic communities were disbanded and their property confiscated by the Crown.
Thomas Cranmer: He was a leader of English Reformation who served as Archbishop Canterbury from 1533-1555. He helped build legal framework for Church England after Act Supremacy was passed.
English Reformation: This term refers to series events early 16th century whereby Church England broke away from authority Pope Roman Catholic Church.
"Act of Supremacy" appears in:
Practice Questions (7)
The Act of Supremacy passed in 1534 declared which monarch as the supreme head of the Church of England?
Who did King Henry VIII's Act of Supremacy primarily benefit?
Which monarch published "Act of Supremacy", declaring themselves head of their country's church?
What was a major impact of the Act of Supremacy in 1534 during Henry VIII's reign?
In what year was the Act of Supremacy passed in England, establishing the Church of England?
What was the main intent behind Henry VIII’s Act of Supremacy?
What did England's Act Of Supremacy accomplish?
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