The French Wars of Religion
1562-1598
The Cause
Root: The French Wars of Religion began in 1562 caused by the French King's disdain of Protestantism. When he stumbled upon a Protestant ceremony, he began a long chain of massacres that began the wars.
Direct cause: St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre.
The Course
Key Figures
Catherine de Medici (de Guise)
Widow of Henry Ⅱ. Regent of France. Planned Batholomew Day's Massacre
Henry of Navarre
Leader of the Huguenots. Marries Margot de Guise, and becomes King.
Margot de Guise
Daughter of Catherine de Medici and Henry Ⅱ
Summary
After Henry died, he left his three sons, Francis Ⅰ, Charles Ⅸ, and Henry Ⅲ. They were weak and Francis died in 1560, Charles in 1574, and Henry in 1589. His wife, Catherine de Medici, became regent of France. France, at the time was so large, that the provinces had each of their own governments, being so spacious, religious beliefs spread easily. Calvinism soon invested itself within France. Both Francis Ⅰ and Henry Ⅱ opposed Calvinism. Massacres began in the late 1550's which than began the feud. Catherine de Medici, fearing the destruction of her kingdom, made a plan. She invited Henry of Navarre, the protestant leader, to marry her daughter Margot de Medici. When Protestants flocked to the wedding, the Queen had them killed in a major massacre known as St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. Henry of Navarre escaped the massacre and was crowned king. The Catholic court refused to acknowledge Henry as king until he renounced his protestant beliefs. And so he did, because "Paris is worth a mass". The protestants worried for their safety, and King Henry, wanting to assure their safety, announced the Edict of Nantes. The Edict of Nantes, announced in 1598, was a proclamation assuring religious tolerance and equal rights as Catholics. And everything resolved to a shaky peace, and under Henry's rule, France began to rebuild its city.
Outcome
As a result of Henry of Navarre taking the throne an uneasy truce was placed, Henry of Navarre "embraces" Roman Catholicism. And religious toleration of Hugenots guaranteed by the Edict of Nantes. (Signed April 30th, 1598). Guaranteed tolerance of Huguenots and gave them basic rights.
Main Significance
The lasting effect of the French Religious Wars would be the lasting announcement of religious freedom, and the beginning of the separation of church and state. Freedom of religion was not a common belief in this time period, and being free to choose whichever you like was a new and foreign idea. People were excited and happy to choose how they want to live. The separation of church and state was also uncommon. The Church was thought as one of the most prominent leaders in government. When people started viewing the church as a secondary authority was very revolutionary.
Sources
ⓜⓡⓢ. ⓖⓤⓨⓐⓡⓢ👑
A History of the Modern World (tenth edition) R.R.Palmer, Joel Colton, Lloyd Kramer
http://www.britannica.com/event/Wars-of-Religion
http://study.com/academy/lesson/the-french-wars-of-religion-catholics-vs-the-huguenots.html
http://www.museeprotestant.org/en/notice/the-eight-wars-of-religion-1562-1598/