Wars of Religion in France

The Wars of Religion in France (1562–1598) were a series of bloody conflicts primarily between Catholics and Huguenots (French Protestants). These wars arose from religious tensions, political power struggles, and social divisions following the Protestant Reformation. The conflict caused widespread violence, instability, and loss of life. It ended with the signing of the Edict of Nantes in 1598, which granted limited religious freedoms to Protestants, seeking to promote peace and coexistence. The wars significantly shaped France’s religious and political landscape, influencing the development of religious tolerance and state authority.