French Wars of Religion
Definition
The French Wars of Religion were a prolonged period of war and popular unrest between Catholics and Huguenots (Reformed/Calvinist Protestants) in France between 1562 and 1598.
Analogy
Imagine two football teams - one Catholic, one Protestant - constantly clashing on field for almost four decades. This is similar to how these religious groups fought for power in France during this time.
Related terms
Huguenots: Members of a Protestant Christian group in France during the 16th and 17th centuries. They followed Calvinism and were frequently persecuted by the Catholic state leading many to emigrate from France.
St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre: A targeted group of assassinations followed by a wave of Catholic mob violence directed against Huguenots during the French Wars of Religion.
Edict Of Nantes: An edict issued on April 13,1598 by Henry IV that granted substantial rights to Protestants in an attempt to promote civil unity in France.
"French Wars of Religion" appears in:
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Practice Questions (9)
- Who ruled France during French Wars Of Religion?
- Which of the following was a significant difference between the English Civil War and the French Wars of Religion during the 16th and 17th centuries?
- What was the main cause of the French Wars of Religion in the 16th century?
- Who played a pivotal role during the French Wars of Religion?
- How did the Edict of Nantes issued during the French Wars of Religion foreshadow later constitutional guarantees of religious liberty?
- What possible repercussion could arise if Francis I had granted Henry II greater autonomy during French Wars of Religion?
- What crucial event signified the culmination of religious tensions during the French Wars Of Religion?
- What role did Huguenots play during French Wars Of Religion (1562–1598)?
- What role did the French Wars of Religion play in reshaping international alliances?
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