Light

Henry IV

Definition

Henry IV refers to King Henry IV of France, who ruled from 1589 until his assassination in 1610. He is known for his efforts to end the French Wars of Religion and his conversion to Catholicism.

Analogy

Imagine Henry IV as a skilled negotiator who tries to bring peace between two rival groups in your school. He decides to join one of the groups, hoping that by doing so he can better understand their perspectives and find common ground for reconciliation.

Related terms

Edict of Nantes: The Edict of Nantes was a law issued by Henry IV in 1598 that granted religious freedom and some political rights to French Protestants (Huguenots). This helped bring stability and peace to France.

St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre: The St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre took place in Paris in 1572 during the French Wars of Religion. It was a targeted attack on Protestant Huguenots, resulting in thousands of deaths and sparking further violence.

War of the Three Henries: The War of the Three Henries (1587-1589) was a conflict involving King Henry III, King Henry IV, and Duke Henry I. It played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the French Wars of Religion.