French+War+of+Religion

= The French wars of religion (1562 – 1598) =

Introduction
Calvinism and Catholicism had become militant religions in 1560, but also economic, social, and political forces were involved. The French civil wars of religion were probably the most shattering wars of the sixteenth century. The Huguenots, French Calvinists, were a powerful political threat to the crown, because of their conversion of many nobles. But all the monarchies were strict Catholic, in addition an ultra-Catholic party strongly opposed the Calvinists.

Key People
Francis I - ordered the massacre of 1,000 Huguenots Henry of Navarre - became Henry the 5th

Start of the War
The Massacre of Mérindol took place in 1545, when Francis I of France ordered the Waldensians of the city of Mérindol, who were affiliated to Protestantism, to be punished for dissident religious activities. Over 1,00 Huguenots died in this war. This massacre opened the fighting.



The War
For the next 30 years, war raged between the Catholics and the Huguenots. The whole French population was involved in this war, and many women and children died. It was one of the longest and most brutal wars France had ever seen.

The End
Finally in 1589, Henry of Navarre (on the picture below), leader of the Huguenots became Henry the 5th. The war was finally ended when he was crowned.