French Wars of Religion

Definition

The French Wars of Religion (1562-1598) were a series of eight conflicts between Protestant and Catholic factions in France lasting 36 years and concluding with the Protestant King Henry IV of France (r. 1589-1610) converting to Catholicism in the interests of peace. Although Protestant forces won the final battles, Catholicism triumphed, and France remained a predominantly Catholic nation.

More about: French Wars of Religion

Timeline

  • 1534
    Affair of the Placards; anti-Catholic posters appear throughout France, increasing religious tensions.
  • 1545
    Massacre of Merindol; Protestants slaughtered by Catholics.
  • 1560
    Amboise Conspiracy; Protestant plot to kidnap Francois II uncovered and Protestants executed.
  • 1562 - 1598
    French Wars of Religion fought between Catholic and Protestant factions in France.
  • 1562 - 1563
    First French War of Religion.
  • 1562
    Massacre of Vassy; Catholics slaughter Protestants, start of French Wars of Religion.
  • 1567 - 1568
    Second French War of Religion.
  • 1568 - 1570
    Third French War of Religion.
  • 1572 - 1573
    Fourth French War of Religion.
  • 1574 - 1576
    Fifth French War of Religion.
  • 1576 - 1577
    Sixth French War of Religion.
  • 1579 - 1580
    Seventh French War of Religion.
  • 1585 - 1589
    Eighth French War of Religion (War of the Three Henrys).
  • 1589 - 1598
    Hostilities continue between Catholic and Protestant factions in France until Henry IV converts to Catholicism and issued the Edict of Nantes, officially ending the French Wars of Religion.
  • 1598
    Henry IV of France grants religious freedom for French Prostestants with the Edict of Nantes.
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