Étouffer le conflit : la religion comme outil d’inclusion diplomatique dans les lettres de Thomas Cromwell aux ambassadeurs Wallop, de Casali et Chapuys

Abstract

During Thomas Cromwell’s time as Henry VIII’s chief minister between 1532 and 1540, England almost entirely breaks away from the papacy. In order for the country to exist on the diplomatic scene, it calls for unity and friendship between the Princes. In Cromwell’s diplomatic correspondence, the minister adapts his religious posture according to that of his addressee, creating the possibility of a closer relationship between England and the other monarchies. It proves particularly enlightening to study Cromwell’s letters to three ambassadors, John Wallop, Gregorio De Casali and Eustace Chapuys: Cromwell could be basing his speech strategy on the idea he has of the religion of his addressee, in order to reach a form of concord. Religion—which is supposed to be a conflictual theme between Henry VIII and the other Christian Princes—can thus be seen as a means to draw the European princes closer. Cromwell invoking religion could thus be understood as a rhetorical practice to prevent any criticism by calling upon common moral values, in a kind of religious tolerance.

Keywords

• religion
• diplomacy
• ambassador
• Thomas Cromwell
• toleration
• correspondence