Religion, Wars of

Series of civil wars 1562–89 in France between Catholics and (Protestant) Huguenots. Each side was led by noble families which competed for influence over a weakened monarchy. The most infamous event was the Massacre of St Bartholomew in 1572, carried out on the orders of the Catholic faction led by Catherine de' Medici and the Duke of Guise. After 1584, the heir apparent to the French throne was the Huguenot Henry of Navarre. This prompted further hostilities, but after his accession as Henry IV in 1589, he was able to maintain his hold on power, partly through military victory and partly by converting to Catholicism in 1593.

He introduced the Edict of Nantes in 1598, guaranteeing freedom of worship throughout his kingdom.