The French Wars of Religion (1562-1598) were a series of eight conflicts between Protestant and Catholic factions in France lasting 36 years and concluding with the Protestant King Henry IV of France (r. 1589-1610) converting to Catholicism in the interests of peace. Although Protestant forces won the final battles, Catholicism triumphed, and France remained a predominantly Catholic nation.
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Definition
Timeline
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1534Affair of the Placards; anti-Catholic posters appear throughout France, increasing religious tensions.
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1545Massacre of Merindol; Protestants slaughtered by Catholics.
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1560Amboise Conspiracy; Protestant plot to kidnap Francois II uncovered and Protestants executed.
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1562 - 1598French Wars of Religion fought between Catholic and Protestant factions in France.
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1562 - 1563First French War of Religion.
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1562Massacre of Vassy; Catholics slaughter Protestants, start of French Wars of Religion.
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1567 - 1568Second French War of Religion.
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1568 - 1570Third French War of Religion.
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1572 - 1573Fourth French War of Religion.
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1574 - 1576Fifth French War of Religion.
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1576 - 1577Sixth French War of Religion.
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1579 - 1580Seventh French War of Religion.
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1585 - 1589Eighth French War of Religion (War of the Three Henrys).
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1589 - 1598Hostilities continue between Catholic and Protestant factions in France until Henry IV converts to Catholicism and issued the Edict of Nantes, officially ending the French Wars of Religion.
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1598Henry IV of France grants religious freedom for French Prostestants with the Edict of Nantes.
