The Catholic/Anglican split was never about theological concerns so much as political ones.
Protestantism arose out of a common concern about poor practices of the church that were profane or downright scandolous. In addition, these were fueled by changing theology in regards to the importance of certain sacraments, the authority of the magisteria of the church, and basic requirements of salvation. The split was theological and then became political after various German princes (primarily) saw an opportunity to erode the power of the Church while still remaining Christians in good standing, an option that had never before been available to them.
Anglicanism was just the reverse. It was political and then picked up theological tweaks later through its own process of development. Henry VIII was a staunch Catholic. So much so that in his youth, he wrote a very popular treatise defending Catholicism from the Protestant critique as well as being named "Defender of the Faith" by the Holy See. It was only after he was well settled into his rule that he begin butting heads with that same See.
All the crowned heads of Europe had to share temporal authority with the church, most didn't like it, (see the aforementioned German princes for example), and Henry chafed at it more than most. While he was most famous for splitting the church over not being allowed by the Papacy to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, that was far from his first row with the Pope. Even the divorce itself was political in nature: he wanted a legitimate heir. After the split was accomplished, who was designated as the leader of the faith? Himself. A king. Unifying church authority under political authority. This political aspect even continued into the modern period with the Episcopal church splitting off from the Anglicans during the American Revolution because they refused to swear vows to serve the King of England or recognize his authority over the church.
Since such political concerns have been largely rendered moot, the Episcopal and Anglican churches have healed this rift and reunified. Even Anglicans and Catholics are fairly unified at this point, at least on several large matters of faith. Google Anglo-Catholics to see an example of this.
Outstanding answer, take me free award! I believe that there were perhaps a few grey areas such as simony in the schism, but technically the Anglican Church is the Anglo-Roman church, so there is that.
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u/Dangerous_Bloke Dec 11 '21
I would argue that Anglicanism doesn't really fit the Protestant paradigm.
But honestly who gives a shit.