French Wars
1562-1598
Summary
The French wars were civil wars between the French Catholics and Protestants (Huguenots). There were two houses involved, the House of Bourbon and the House of Guise. Both sides received assistance from foreign sources. The Massacre of Vassy in 1562 has been concluded by historians as the beginning of the French Wars. This massacre resulted in the death of up to 100 Huguenots. Throughout the wars, many negotiations and agreements of peace were made, though most were followed by more conflict and power struggles. It is estimated that about 2,000,000-4,000,000 people died during this time due to wars, famine, and disease. Towards the end of 1598, when the conflict concluded, Huguenots were freedom and substantial rights by the Edict of Nantes. Though they had more rights, this did not end aggression towards the Huguenots. Throughout the course of the French Wars, the monarchy was weakened, though it later reaffirmed it’s role under the influence of Henry lV.
Cause
Key Groups/People
French Catholics
Catherine de Medici
Huguenots
Course
1562-1563 Duke Francois de Guise massacred a hundred Protestants attending a service, sparking the beginning of the war.
1567-1568 Started by the Huguenot leaders.
1568-1570 The treaty that ended the 2nd war lasted 5 months, but then they fought again, with foreign aid.
1572-1573 The 4th war.
1574-1576 5th war
1576-1577 The 6th war had no financial aid so they had to stop fighting after a while.
1579-1580 War broke out once again with the capturing of La Fere in Picardy
1585-1598 This was the final war. They fought for 13 years until finally, the Edict of Nantes granted the religious freedom to the Huguenots and ended the wars for good.