Edict of Nantes
The Edict of Nantes, establishing the legal toleration of Calvinism in
Roman Catholic France, was authorised by King Henry IV on Apr. 13, 1598.
It resulted from hard bargaining with the Huguenots (Calvinists) and marked
the end of the Wars of Religion.
The edict declared liberty of conscience and equality of legal and educational
rights. It allowed French Protestants to hold government office and provided
special courts to adjudicate disputes between the faiths. The Protestants
were given control of certain fortress towns, such as La Rochelle, whose
garrisons were paid by the crown. Protestant public worship was allowed
in these and other specified towns. Calvinist synods could be held with
royal permission.
In the Peace of Ales (1629), which followed three revolts by the Huguenots,
Cardinal Richelieu modified the edict; the Huguenots lost their capacity
for armed self-defence.
On Oct. 18, 1685, Louis XIV withdrew the edict and declared France entirely
Catholic.
