French wars of religion

1
French wars of religion

• Background the French crown was staunchly
  anti-Protestant (Huguenot)
• Two major crackdowns precede the rule of Henry II

2
Henry II

• Continued persecution of Huguenots
• Edict of Chateaubriand
• Dies in unfortunate wedding accident

3
Catherine de MedicisServes as regent for Francis
II and Charles IX
Catherines main goal was to protect the power of
her family from other powerful families.
Guises (Catholic) Bourbons (Huguenots)
Montmorency-Chatillions (Huguenots)
4

• 1. feared Guise power sought Protestant
  allies- January Edict
• Guises attacked Protestant congregation, Huguenot
  leaders did not respond quickly enough, Catherine
  forced to support Guises (start of rel. wars in
  FR)
• After 3 wars (phases) Peace of Saint
  Germain-en-laye Catherine supported Huguenots to
  check Guise political power
• While supporting Huguenots Catherine began to
  plot with Guises due to increased power of
  Huguenots (Coligny specifically)

5

• 5. Catherine supported St. Bartholomews Day
  Massacre b/c her assassination attempt on Coligny
  failed. She feared the response of Huguenots.
  St. Barth gave Protestants across Europe rallying
  point

6
Henry III
7

• 1. Henry III tried to remain neutral but is
  pressured by both side politically
• Eventually forced by Catholic League (Guises) to
  revoke Peace of Beaulieu and begin persecution of
  Huguenots
• Catholic League become too powerful and Henry III
  will join forces with Henry of Navarre (who will
  become Henry IV)
• Henry III is stabbed and dies

8
Henry IV (of Navarre)

• 1. Was leader of Huguenots prior to the crown,
  but is a politique at heart
• After becoming king decides that tolerant
  Catholicism is best course for France and
  converts. Paris is worth a mass.
• Huguenots are upset with conversion and Pope
  doubts his sincerity. French people, tired of
  war rally to him.
• Edict of Nantes will end wars of religion in
  France