The French Wars of Religion
Lydia Chrisman and Sierra Carroll
Years: 1562-1598 (1)
Cause
Direct Cause: The Guise family inspired their followers to massacre a group of Huguenots in 1562. (3)
Course
Course:
1) The spread of French Calvinism persuaded the French ruler Catherine de Médicis to show more tolerance for the Huguenots, which angered the powerful Roman Catholic Guise family.
2) Its partisans massacred a Huguenot congregation at Vassy (1562), causing an uprising in the provinces.
3) Many inconclusive skirmishes followed, and compromises were reached in 1563, 1568, and 1570. After the murder of the Huguenot leader Gaspard II de Coligny in the Massacre of Saint Bartholomew’s Day (1572), the civil war resumed. (3)
Outcome
Key Groups/Figures (3)
- Protestants- (Reformed Christians)
- Roman Catholics- (A massive religion of Europe at the time was Roman Catholicism)
- Catherine de Medicis- (French Ruler who showed tolerance for Huguenots)
- The Huguenots- (French Calvinists)
- Gaspard ll de Coligny- (Huguenot Leader)
Main Significance
Edict Of Nantes
The Edict of Nantes was written in 1598 and signed by Henry IV. It states that Roman Catholics maintain their rights to worship freely and undisturbed. Similarly, it granted Protestants the rights to worship publicly without being persecuted or disturbed. It was written to officially end the French Wars of Religion.