Did Cromwell Create a Revolution In Government?

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Against Cromwell's Revolution Within Government Thomas Cromwell served Henry VIII as chief minister between 1532-1540. During this time some argue for example Elton that there was a revolution within government. Elton believed that during the time Cromwell was chief minister there were key turning points in the way in which the government functioned. He believes that the changes led to the government turning from medieval to modern. Many historians agree that changes within government took place between 1532-40 however the question arises were these changes great enough to create a revolution within government? The answer to this question is no. The kings chamber was at the heart of the royal household. It contained the people closest to the king, who had the greatest influence upon him. During Cromwell's time the kings chamber was significantly weakened. Whilst Elton argues that this was due to a 'revolution' within government leading to a more bureaucratic government where power was no longer held between few people but more evenly spread out. The reality of this was that Cromwell had no master plan for reform. It was in an effort to protect his position that Cromwell weakened the position of the kings chamber due to the fact that it was one thing he could not control. This meant that the weakening of the kings chamber was practical politics rather than a preconceived plan for reform. During the 1540s once again the kings chamber dominated government. This shows that the so called 'revolution' did not take place. The effects were simply temporary to aid Cromwell and his position. One of the most major changes that took place during Cromwell's time as chief minister was the evaporation of the medieval system of a large council containing 70-90 members whom rarely attended leaving power in the hands of one or two individuals. The evaporation of
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