Louis XIV - Religion (Huguenots)

Summary of the Huguenots and what happened to them during Louis XIV's reign

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  • Created by: diane
  • Created on: 12-05-12 19:35

Huguenots 1

THE EDICT OF NANTES

The edict of Nantes allowed Huguenots the freedom to worship, gave them civil rights, control of certain cities, they could hold public office and allowed them to have Royal subsidies for Protestant schools. As a minority, the Huguenots were unpopular with other French citizens as they were seen as a insult to the Catholic King.

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Huguenots 2

1628- La Rochelle fell, the Huguenots were deprived of fortifications. The peace of Alais also occured, leaving the Huguenots without political privelidges.

The Huguenots became middle class merchants, industralists and officials and were still loyal to the King!

Although Louis initially respected the Edict of Nantes; his catholic advisors persuaded Louis to pressure the Huguenots into converting to Catholicism.

Because the Edict of Nantes had no mention of churches; Louis abolished them in the hope that they would convert. The Huguenots were not allowed certain professions either.

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Huguenots 3

The pace of repression increased. The policy of dragonnards came into effect. (Dragonnards were the billeting of dragoons on Huguenot houses) Because of these significant changes, huguenot emmigration increased.

EDICT OF FONTAINBLEAU

Louis decided that many Huguenots had converted, so the Edict of Nantes was revoked. Protestant Huguenot churches were demolished, French protestants were not allowed to leave the country. And open protestants faced the death penalty.

Louis was motivated to centralise government; and saw himself as the 'protector of Catholic Europe'

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Effects of Revocation

Effects of the Revocation of the Edict Of Nantes

--> Many huguenots left France; a large majority of them were skilled workers which meant France's economy suffered.

--> They left to go to England and the Dutch which ultimatley strengthened their economies.

--> The French army lost 600 officers, 12,000 troops and 9,000 sailors. This weakened France's defensive positions.

--> Protestant states saw the revocation as a declaration of war against Protestant Europe.

--> Alliances of Louis strengthened; League of Augsburg

--> The revocation damaged the prestige of the catholic church

--> Revolt of the Camisards showed protestantism in France hasn't been abolished

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