1. French Wars of Religion – 1562 - 1598

2. French Wars of Religion – 1562 - 1598
Both Huguenots (Calvinist Protestants) and Catholics in France took a militant approach to gaining support.
The Huguenots – French Calvinist Protestants.
Mainly a group of Nobles that gained support in opposition of the Catholic Royalty.
Military support from the Monarchy and wealthy Northern French Catholics led to almost 30 years of war.
Henry of Navarre/ Henry IV – Leader of the Huguenots who eventually becomes king of France.
Henry converted to Catholicism and brought peace to France.
He issued the Edict of Nantes in 1598 which recognized Catholicism as the religion of France while still allowing Huguenots their right to worship.

3. Phillip II and Militant Catholicism – 1556 - 1598
Spain was mainly Catholic due to its conquering of Muslim control and the expelling of Spanish Jews.
In order to bring together all of the lands in his possession, Phillip II strengthened his control.
Phillip II fought against Muslim Turks, Protestants in the Netherlands and failed an attempt to invade England under the reign of Elizabeth.
At the end of Phillip II’s reign Spain controlled almost all of South America, parts of Asia and Africa.
BUT – He had bankrupted the country’s treasury, spending too much on war.

4. Queen Elizabeth I (Tudor) of England
Elizabeth I took the throne from her half-sister Mary, Queen of Scots.
She was an Intelligent, Careful and Confident leader.
She repealed laws favoring Catholics and put forth a new Act of Supremacy that made her the “only supreme governor,” of church and state.
Peacekeeper – Elizabeth tried to keep Spain and France from becoming too powerful, or causing a war.

5. English Defeat of the Spanish Armada
Elizabeth I took the throne from her half-sister Mary, Queen of Scots.
She was an Intelligent, Careful and Confident leader.
She repealed laws favoring Catholics and put forth a new Act of Supremacy that made her the “only supreme governor,” of church and state.
Peacekeeper – Elizabeth tried to keep Spain and France from becoming too powerful, or causing a war.