Apart from Elizabeth I, Henry VIII is the most powerful English king in the 16th century. Thanks to his far-sighted policy, he succeeded in creating the basis for the British Empire. Today we know this important ruler predominantly because of his many wives; but he is significantly more important as the founder of the English state church and because of his disputes with Parliament, the nobility and other rulers in Europe. In addition, the Early Modern state was also formed during his reign. The author briefly sketches the life of the King, but the subsequent focus of his presentation is on a thematically structured history of England.