Huguenots

Question 1

How many were in France at the beginning of Louis’ reign?

Answer 1

2 million

Question 2

Why didn’t Louis like Huguenots?

Answer 2

They stood in the way of Louis’ desire for religious uniformity and he regarded then as an insult to his position as ‘His most Christian majesty’.

Question 3

What was the Edict of Nantes?

Answer 3

• It was originally made in 1588 to protect Huguenots.
• It had ended the French wars of religion.
• It had been issued by Louis’ grandfather Henry IV.
• The edict granted Huguenots civil rights in France, and they had to register where they were going to practise their faith.
• They did not participate in the Fromdes and instead supported the crown, which made them less politically suspect than the Jansenists, but Louis detested Protestantism.

Question 4

Why was there toleration for Huguenots in the early years of Louis’ reign?

Answer 4

• In 1661 the Huguenots were prominent in business and banking, contributing a significant amount to the French economy. Colbert wanted to protect them for this reason.
• Some had powerful positions in the army. Vauban was a Huguenot.
• Louis was keen to maintain domestic stability. He wanted to assert his authority over the population before persecution and causing civil strife.
• Louis was preoccupied with foreign affairs and did not start real persecution of Huguenots until after the Dutch war.
• The edict of Nantes.

Question 5

What was a Huguenot?

Answer 5

A French Protestant.

Question 6

Between 1661-1679 what restrictions were put on Huguenots?

Answer 6

• There were restrictions on their marriages and funerals.
• A lot of their schools and churches were closed and many were bribed to convert to Catholicism.
• Many accepted bribed and the continued to practise their true religion in secret, angering Catholics who felt like Protestants were being granted concessions for being heretics.
• 50% of Protestant churches were pulled down in 1663-1665.