Edict of Nantes

The Edict of Nantes, issued in 1598 by King Henry IV of France, granted religious tolerance to Huguenots (French Protestants) and ended decades of religious wars between Catholics and Protestants. It allowed Huguenots to practice their faith freely and hold public office while safeguarding their rights. This historic agreement aimed to promote peace and stability in a divided France. However, it was revoked in 1685 by King Louis XIV, leading to renewed persecution of Protestants and their mass exodus from France. The Edict of Nantes is often seen as an early step towards religious freedom.