The Religious Wars The French Religious Wars

The French Religious Wars… France was largest country in Europe Calvinism spread quickly into France (Calvin himself was French)

In France, a large proportion of the nobility became Protestant Like Germany, these nobles wanted the right to choose the religion of their area (Peace of Augsburg) Many towns converted to Protestantism

The Kings of France opposed Calvinism This includes Francis I And Henry III

Lutherans in Germany and Anglicans in England also opposed the spread of Calvinism— they believed there wasn’t enough room for another religion. Besides, Calvinism was troubling because of its independence

Remember, Calvinism did not respect state authority over religious independence. One’s allegiance was to God

In France, persecution of the Huguenots begins Many are burned at Stake

Henry II dies in a joust—Catherine Medici, his widow, is left with three young sons. The next three kings—Francis—1560, Charles IX 1574, and Henry III, 1589 never have a firm hand on the monarchy

There were two sides: The Huguenots, led by the King of Navarre and Admiral Coligny Vs. The Catholic Guise family

During this time, France slid into civil war

The Huguenots fought for religious liberty

The Guises fought to eliminate Calvinism, but they also fought for control of France. Henry III ordered the assassination of the Duke of Guise

Catherine de Medici, the queen mother, played both sides against each other.

Matters came to a head when Henry, King of Navarre came to Paris to marry Margot, daughter of Catherine de Medici, and sister to the King (1572)

Thousands of Huguenots flooded Paris to see the marriage of their King

Catherine de Medici orders that the Huguenot leaders are to be killed. Henry of Navarre escapes— but Coligny is murdered.

This occurred on St. Bartholomew’s Day. Mob violence broke out as both sides killed each other Thousands of Huguenots were murdered across France. Hell broke lose as mercenaries were hired to participate in the killing

In Rome, the pope was delighted with the murder of the Huguenots. He ordered a celebration mass. Medals were struck to remember this Catholic victory.

The Protestants appealed to Elizabeth of England to invade France. Elizabeth looked at the events in France with horror. She became even more determined to prevent this happening in her country.

The French royal family also tried to lure Elizabeth into marriage with one of their members, the younger son of Catherine, the Duke of Anjou

Wisely, Elizabeth kept out of the French mess— she focused her aide on the Netherlands revolt—an area where she could have the most impact

This religious fighting in France was chaotic, with armed bands roaming the countryside and many mini-truces among different areas.

Gradually, there developed the belief that nothing justified this everlasting chaos and war.

This belief was that of a politique The idea that civil order can accommodate more than one religion

France looked toward Henry of Navarre to provide the leadership needed.

If we remember, Henry had barely escaped from the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre He and Princess Margot never grew close, but she was loyal and supportive.

The final son, Henry III, of Catherine de Medici was assassinated in Now the throne went to the next legal heir, Henry of Navarre—He would now be Henry IV. Henry had the choice to convert to Catholicism before the Guise family would accept him—he converted in order to gain the throne.

He entered Paris, supposedly saying “Paris is worth a Mass” The Catholics were delighted The Huguenots were horrified But Henry took the steps necessary to provide state order and end the French religious wars.

Henry did not forget the Huguenots. He issued the Edict of Nantes in 1598 This Edict guaranteed civil rights for Huguenots. Paris was off limit to Protestants

The Huguenots became less rebellious after the Edict of Nantes And Henry IV FORCED toleration on his country

Henry IV became one of France’s greatest Kings

He amicably divorced Margot, and married Marie de Medici. They had several children.

He helped France to rebuild after the wars and promised a “Chicken in Every Pot.”

He brought peace and prosperity for 21 years of his rule.

He never consulted the French Parliament, the Estates General---Taxes (the taille) were administered directly. Parliament was not consulted.

Sadly, Henry was assassinated in 1610 by a crazed Catholic fanatic

Ravellic was the assassin. He was “punished” for his deed.

Marie ruled alone as a regent for her son, Louis XIII.

Over time, Cardinal Richelieu of France gained great influence during the childhood and adulthood of Louis XIII—only dying a year before Louis did. (1642) Richelieu tried to maintain the order of Henry IV—he was the de facto ruler for 32 years

List of Kings during this time period in France Valois Dynasty Francis I Henry II Francis II Charles IX Henry III Bourbon Dynasty Henry IV Louis XIII

The way was paved for France’s greatest absolute monarch, Louis XIV