HENRY VIII: AND THE ROYAL SUPREMACY: The break with Rome set England apart from continental Europe. It was born of personal desires rather than matters of principle.

The article discusses the personal motive that moved King Henry VIII of England to break with Rome and to renounce all allegiance to the pope. Topics discussed include the refusal by the papal courts at Rome to grant Henry's request for an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, the campaign he launched against the church afterwards, and the theory that the king would not make such claims had his request for divorce was granted.