Answer:
There were several reasons Henry VIII made Protestantism the official religion of England.
Step-by-step explanation:
- Desire for a male heir: Henry VIII wanted to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, as she had not borne him a male heir. The Catholic Church, however, did not grant him an annulment.
- Consolidation of power: By establishing the Church of England, Henry VIII gained control over religious matters within his kingdom. This allowed him to assert his authority and consolidate power, reducing the influence of the Catholic Church in England.
- Dissolution of monasteries: Henry VIII saw an opportunity to gain wealth and land by dissolving the monasteries. The Catholic Church owned significant amounts of land and property in England, and by breaking away from Rome, Henry VIII could seize these assets and redistribute them to his loyal supporters.