Henry VIII – Defender of the Faith

 In this lesson, middle school students examine Henry VIII’s rule in 16th century England, his quest for a male heir to take over the throne, and the subsequent creation of the Church of England.  The students will read and interpret letters written to and from Henry VIII, and well as the Act of Supremacy, determining historical perspectives of these sources.  With this lesson, the students will also reflect on historical events from the perspectives of those historical figures present.  Finally, the students will use primary sources to write first-hand accounts of the events that took place throughout Henry VIII’s reign.