Wolsey's Fall from Power

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How Far Does The Evidence Of Sources 1, 2 and 3 Suggest That Wolsey’s Fall From Power Was Complete Following His Dismissal In October 1529? All three sources are shown to support the claim that Wolsey's fall from power after his dismissal in October 1529 was complete. Sources 1 and 2 strongly support the claim; however, we must consider their provenance as they were both written without the benefit of hindsight. Furthermore, Source 2 is likely to be bias. In addition, Source 3 also explains that although Wolsey had fallen from his height of power, to some extent his enemies still feared the little power they believed he still held. We will examine the sources to analyse how far they do agree that Wolsey’s fall from power was complete. Sources 1 and 2 both agree that to a strong extent Wolsey’s fall from power was complete. Source 1 conveys that Wolsey was very emotionally distressed after his dismissal, stating that “heart and tongue failed him completely.” However, it also suggests a hope of some liberation from this distress by “Francis and Madame”. In contrast, Source 2 simply states that “The downfall of the Cardinal is complete.” However, Source 2’s credibility can be questioned as this was a report from the ambassador to the Holy Roman Empire. The writer would have wanted to tell Charles V what he wanted to hear, and with Charles’s background hatred for Wolsey, it is very likely the source is bias, thus less reliable. On the other hand, Source 3 states that his enemies wanted him to be more fully removed from power in hope they shall not be troubled by him again. This is not strongly supported by either sources 1 and 2, yet this source has the most hindsight and less bias, thus strengthening the claim. Overall, sources 1 and 2 both support the claim, however, there is questioning of their strength when we look at their provenance. It also has to be

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