How did the Amicable Grant affect Henry VIII's popularity?

The Amicable Grant significantly damaged Henry VIII's popularity due to widespread resistance and rebellion against this heavy taxation.

The Amicable Grant was a tax imposed by Henry VIII in 1525 to fund his military campaigns in France. It was so named because it was supposedly a 'friendly' request for funds, but in reality, it was a non-parliamentary tax that was heavily resented by the people. This resentment led to widespread resistance and rebellion, which in turn significantly damaged Henry VIII's popularity.

The Grant was seen as an unfair burden on the people, particularly as it came on the heels of other heavy taxes. It was levied at a rate of one-third of the taxpayer's goods and one-sixth of their land value, which was a significant increase from previous taxes. This led to widespread discontent, with many refusing to pay and others actively rebelling against the tax.

The rebellion was most significant in Suffolk, where thousands of people rose up against the tax. This rebellion was so severe that it forced Henry VIII to back down and cancel the tax, a rare occurrence in his reign. This rebellion and the subsequent cancellation of the tax were seen as a significant blow to Henry's authority and popularity.

Furthermore, the Amicable Grant was seen as a sign of Henry's increasing autocracy. It was imposed without the consent of Parliament, which was a significant departure from the traditional method of raising taxes. This was seen as a sign of Henry's disregard for the rights and privileges of his subjects, further damaging his popularity.

In conclusion, the Amicable Grant was a significant factor in the decline of Henry VIII's popularity. It was seen as an unfair and heavy burden on the people, leading to widespread resistance and rebellion. The rebellion was so severe that it forced Henry to back down and cancel the tax, a significant blow to his authority. Furthermore, the Grant was seen as a sign of Henry's increasing autocracy, further damaging his popularity.