French Wars of Religion 1562-1598

French Wars of Religion (1562-1598)

Background: Henry II (1519-1559)

  • Reformation unfolds in Europe during his reign.
  • He opposed the spread of Calvinism in France.
  • He persecuted Huguenots (French Calvinists).

Huguenots (French Calvinists)

  • Well-educated and industrious.
  • Often from nobility or bourgeoisie.
  • Organized.
  • Controlled many important towns in France (e.g., La Rochelle, Rouen).
  • Comprised 10% of the French population.

Causes of French Wars of Religion

  • Religious conflict (Catholic vs. Protestant).
  • Political struggle (control of the crown).
  • Regional tensions (Paris vs. provinces).

Immediate Results

  • The Crown was victorious over the nobility.
  • France remained Catholic, but Huguenots were temporarily integrated.

Long-Term Results

  • Edict of Nantes revoked in 1685, leading to the emigration of many Huguenots, which hurt the French economy.

Charles IX (1560-1574)

  • Took the throne at age 10.
  • Dominated by his Catholic mother, Catherine de' Medici.
  • Due to the influence of Huguenot leader Gaspard de Coligny, Charles leaned towards Calvinism.
  • Catherine tried to have Coligny assassinated in 1572, but failed.

St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre (1572)

  • Catherine de’ Medici wanted to rid the French monarchy of the threat from Huguenots.
  • Catherine was supported by her son, Charles IX.
  • 2,000 Huguenots were killed, including Coligny.
  • Results: Huguenots no longer supported the crown and began to rebel. A bloody civil war between Huguenots and Catholics ensued.

Henry III (1574-1589)

  • Catherine admitted responsibility for the assassination attempt on Coligny.
  • Charles gave support to his Catholic mother.
  • Problem of heredity: Henry did not have an heir.
  • The closest heir was Henry of Navarre, a Huguenot.
  • Die-hard Catholic supporters of Henry formed the Catholic League.
  • The goal of the Catholic League was to make France one religion (Catholic).
  • Henry III was assassinated in 1589.

Henry IV (of Navarre) (1589-1610)

  • Originally a Huguenot.
  • Inherited the throne upon the death of Henry III.
  • First in the Bourbon dynasty.
  • Catholic Paris refused to accept him as king because of his Calvinism.
  • Henry converted to Catholicism in 1593, reputedly saying, "Paris is well worth a Mass."
  • He was a politique.

Edict of Nantes (1598)

  • Ended the French Wars of Religion.
  • Freedom of conscience for Huguenots (not full religious toleration).
  • Huguenots could hold private religious services, with public services only in towns where it was the prevailing religion.
  • Huguenots were granted political equality.
  • Huguenots could keep control over military defenses in some small towns.

Timeline

  • 1562: French Wars of Religion began.
  • 1572: St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre.
  • 1589: Henry III assassinated.
  • 1598: Edict of Nantes issued.