THE RELIGIOUS WARS: The French Wars of Religion c. 1562-1589

Catholic and Huguenots Despite the spread of Reformation ideas, France remained a largely Catholic nation. Of a total of 16 million (in the late 16th century) 1.2 million embraced Calvinism. A large portion of French nobility were Calvinists. Conflict between the groups led to three decades of civil war on religious and political issues.

Henry II (r. 1547-1559) Son of King Francis I of the Valois line. Henry married Catherine de Medici fourteen years old. When his older brother Francis died in 1536 after a game of tennis, Henry became heir to the throne.

Henry II (r. 1547-1559) Henry was a large, powerful man; but a weak-willed king. Even so, he persecuted Huguenots. Henry II severely punished them, burning them alive or cutting out their tongues for speaking their Protestant beliefs. Even those suspected of being Huguenots could be imprisoned for life. He was killed in a jousting tournament.

Catherine de’ Medici After Henry II’s death in a jousting match, Catherine used her position as Regent to influence her three sons who would serve as king. Francis II (r. 1559-1560), Charles IX (r. 1560-1574) and Henry III (r. 1574-1589) ruled under the influence of Catherine, but could not stop the spreading Huguenot influence.

St. Bartholemew's Day Massacre Open warfare began between the Catholics lead by the Guise family and the Huguenots lead by the Bourbon family in 1562. First eight years of fighting ended in 1570. Catherine still feared Huguenot power and ordered their massacre on Aug. 24 1572.

War of the Three Henrys (1585-89) Following the massacre, Henry of Navarre (a Bourbon) emerged as Huguenots leader. Henry III attempted to form a moderate Catholic faction as an alternative to the radical Guise faction. Conflict erupted between Henry III, Henry of Navarre and Henry, Duke of Guise.

War of the Three Henrys (1585-89) Regarding him as a serious threat, Henry III had Henry of Guise assassinated in Dec. 1588. Guise faction retaliated and had Henry III killed July 1589. Henry of Navarre was the only one left with a legitimate claim to the throne. He became Henry IV in 1589.

Henry IV (r. 1589-1610) First Bourbon king of France. Was a Huguenot, but converts to Catholicism. Brings peace to the warring factions. Issues the Edict of Nantes in 1598, granting limited toleration to the Huguenots.