What were the causes of the English Reformation?

Encyclopedia of Opinion

Question: What were the causes of the English Reformation?
Position1 of 4›: Henry VIII's divorce caused the English Reformation

The English Reformation happened primarily because Henry VIII could not get a divorce. Prior to his fallout with the catholic church over his marriage, Henry was declared defender of the faith. His decision was not based on conscience but on pragmatism. Henry was autocratic by nature and did not want the pope to control him.

Supporting arguments · 1

Henry VIII badly needed a male heir
Unable to attain an annulment from the pope, Henry turned to extreme measures to get what he wanted. Consumed by fear that his reign would end in failure if he died without a male heir, he wished to prevent England from plunging once again into civil war.