Religious non-conformity in England

  Henry VIII broke from the Catholic church to establish the Church of England, also known as the Anglican church. The motives for this action can be debated and many believe that it was based on his desire to have his marriage annuled so that could marry another woman who he believed could give him an heir to the throne. Some believe it was an act of religious faith. However the new church (also called the Established Church) was not universally welcomed and soon became policitized. Rejection of the Established Church soon became rejection of the Crown. Those who dare to challenge that church came to be known as Dissenters or Non-conformists.