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A W O R L D H I S T O R Y O F T H E B R E A K U P
VII. Renaissance and Reformation
Progress: Challenge to Ptolemaic theory that men are the center
of the universe.
Mitigating factor: Ensuing Copernican Revolution establishes self-absorbing
notion that planetary system revolves around prime tanning hours.
Also, advancement of Calvinist doctrine of "predestination"
paves way for fatalistic secular breakup, i.e. "It just wasn't meant
to be."
Chagrined to discover that the world does not revolve around them, men
make extra sure to have other big strong guys (Parliament, the Pope) around
to back them up.
Henry VIII and Catherine, Anne Boleyn:
 Henry VIII
(1491-1547), who wants to dump his wife Catherine because
she is too old to provide him an heir (probably just as well), becomes infatuated
with lady-in-waiting Anne Boleyn (1505-1536). When his request for marital
annulment runs into major red tape, he gets Parliament to grant him power
roughly equivalent to the Pope's, and then goes ahead and grants himself
the annulment. Later, when Anne also fails to beget a prince, Henry fabricates
charges of treason and has her executed. (Modern single girls hoping to
land an absolute monarch should pay heed: when he says "I want you
to bear my children," he is serious.)
NEXT:
VIII. The New World & IX. The American Revolution
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II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
VIII & IX |
X |
XI |
XII
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