the Edict of Nantes
The Edict of Nantes, issued in 1598 by King Henry IV of France, granted religious freedom to Huguenots (French Protestants) amidst the intense Protestant-Catholic conflicts known as the Wars of Religion. This decree aimed to promote peace and coexistence by allowing Huguenots to practice their faith openly and granting them certain civil rights. It effectively recognized Protestantism alongside Catholicism, helping to stabilize France. However, it was revoked in 1685 by Louis XIV, leading to widespread persecution of Protestants and significant emigration. The Edict was a crucial moment in the struggle for religious tolerance in Europe.
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The Edict of Nantes, issued in 1598 by King Henry IV of France, was a significant decree that granted religious freedom to the Huguenots, France's Protestant minority. It aimed to end the Wars of Religion by allowing Protestants to worship freely in certain areas and hold political rights, while still recognizing Catholicism as the state religion. Although it fostered a degree of tolerance, the edict was revoked in 1685 by Louis XIV, leading to renewed persecution of Protestants and prompting many to flee France. The Edict symbolized early efforts toward religious coexistence in Europe.