How successful was Henry VIII's foreign policy, under Thomas Cromwell? By December 1531 Thomas Cromwell had become a member of the inner ring of royal councillors; he was chief navigator of national affairs during England's withdrawal from roman allegiance in 1533 and 1534. At this stage of Henry VIII's reign sovereign independence was the paramount issue. Future success within foreign policy would depend on England's independence within Europe. Historians like Crowson have outlined Cromwell's "practical" approach, taking "steps... …showed first 75 words of 1858 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1858 total…it is fair to say that under Cromwell, he enjoyed greater progression and change, while under Wolsey a state of equilibrium was contained. A certain amount of success can be credited to Cromwell and Henry in the construction of the Church of England which stands tall even to this day. Henry VIII's foreign policy, in years the 1525-1540 were not a total success by a margin, but certain were not unsuccessful, they were certainly eventful.