The French Wars of Religion

The French Wars of Religion Protestant/Catholic violence spills over into France 1562-1598 Horrible religious and political violence Ends with the end of the Valois Dynasty and the beginning of the Bourbon Dynasty Edict of Nantes 1598 gives religious freedom in France

Hugenots France’s Protestants, Calvinist variant Mostly nobility and aristocracy convert in France Marguerite of Angoulême or Margaret of Navarre who was the sister of King Francis I, was an early French Protestant. She wrote Miroir de l'âme pécheresse or the Mirror of the Sinful Soul, searching for meaning in faith and her relationship with G-d.

Francis I Pretty tolerant of his sister’s new faith until his life is threatened

The Affair of the Placards 17 October 1534, these posters were put up all over Paris denouncing the mass and the idea of transubstantiation. One was even nailed to the bed chamber door of the king, Francis I, scaring the king into being more strict about the new faith in France.

Aftermath Protestants were now in trouble Jailed, executed, exiled (This is when Calvin flees France) Protestant villages burned Edict of Fontainbleau 1540 called for parlements to seek out heretics and persecute them to the fullest extent of the laws.

Henry II Continues persecution with Edict of Châteaubriant 1551 Also creates a special branch of the parlements called the “burning chamber” to deal with heretics.

Catherine de Medici His wife, ends up ruling as regent for her son Francis II when Henry dies in terrible jousting accident. Nicknamed La Serpente for her predilection for poisoning. Italian Catholic, despises Hugenots for their faith and because they are a threat to stability and the throne.

Auld Alliance (strategic alliance between France and Spain since 13th C) Francis II betrothed to Mary Queen of Scots when they were children She was half Guise, one of the three most powerful families in France, ULTRA-CATHOLIC Guise family next in line to throne after Valois.

Nostradamus told Catherine all three of her sons would be kings-he just didn’t mention it was because they were all going to die young… Francis II r.1559-60, (born 1544) Dies of ear infection Francis II 1559-60, (born 1544) Charles IX, 1560-74 (born 1550) Henry III, 1574-89 (born 1551) Charles IX, r.1560-74 (born 1550) Crazy, died of TB, possibly poisoned Henry III, r.1574-89 (born 1551) No heir, assassinated

Guises vs Bourbons The three Guise brothers on the left, Henry of Navarre, heir to the Bourbon dynasty becoming Henry III’s heir on the right. In the absence of a strong monarch, the two most powerful families began fighting for the throne.

Guises are Catholic and form the foundation of The Catholic League. They use their connection to Francis through Mary Q of Scots to gain power. Bourbons are Calvinist/Hugenots In the second half of 1500’s between 2/5’s and ½ of nobility became Calvinist.

Catholic League Look them up- what were their goals? What did they do?

Hugenots Jeanne d’Albret or Jeanne III of Navarre is dedicated to the faith. Daughter of Marguerite of Navarre* Mother of Henry IV Also a writer

Catherine de Medici Wants a Catholic France, but not under the power of the Guise. Charles IX falls under the influence of the Marshall of France, a powerful Hugenot named Gaspard de Coligny. Torn between her hatred of Hugenots and her fear of the power of the Guise family.

Gaspard de Coligny His brother converted early and was close to Calvin. He converted as well. He and his brother distinguished themselves in the Italian Wars, which were not just about Italian provinces, but also about the dominance of the Hapsburgs in Europe. Most powerful general in France. Great influence on Charles IX, Henry III and Henry of Navarre. His assassination was supposed to be the signal to start the St. Bartholemew’s Day massacre, but his adversaries missed, and shot off the tip of his finger and injured his arm. They later took him out by assaulting him.

Valois Bourbon alliance To check the power of the Guise, Catherine allies with the House of Navarre/Bourbon.

St Bartholemew’s Day Massacre