The Catholic League 1576-1598 Flashcards
When was the Catholic league founded and by whom?
1576, Henry Duke of Guise.
What 3 things did the league set out to do?
1) implement the law of God in its entirety
2) uphold Catholic worship
3) maintain the king in the authority and obedience owed to him by his subjects
How did Henry III try to curb the undermining effect the league had on his authority in December 1576?
Unsuccessfully make himself leader.
How did the death of Alencon affect the League?
Henry of Navarre a Huguenot leader was next in line to the throne so in September 1584 Henry Duke of Guise and his brothers the Duke of Mayenne and Cardinal of Guise found an institution to keep Navarre off the Throne.
When and what was the Treaty of Joinville?
December 1584 between The Catholic League and Phillip II of Spain.
Aims: Defend Catholic faith, remove Protestantism from France and the Netherlands, a heratic cannot become king (Navarre).
Phillip II promise 50,000 escudos a month subsidy to the League.
When did the League release a manifesto outlining their aims and critically attacking Henry III?
March 1585 in Reims
When and what was the Treaty of Nemours?
June 1585
The League force Henry III to overturn all edicts of pacification with the Huguenots, ban Protestantism everywhere etc. Henry Duke of Guise awarded many governorships.
Sparks off Eighth war, Navarre and Conde are excommunicated,
When was the Day of the Barricades?
12th May 1588
The League and Sixteen force the King out of Paris
When and what was the Edict of Union?
1588
Reaffirms Treaty of Nemours, dismisses kings favourite and rival to Duke of Guise, appoints Duke of Guise commander-in-chief of the army, recognises Cardinal Bourbon as the rightful successor to Henry III
How did Henry react to the increase in League control in 1588?
He had the Duke and Cardinal of Guise murdered and imprisoned leading Leaguers like the Cardinal of Bourbon.
Why did Parisian resistance to Henry III intensify in 1589?
He joined with Navarre in April 1589 to retake Paris, recognising Navarre as the successor. League propaganda portrays Henry III as the Antichrist.
The assassination of Henry III
August 1589 Jacques Clement (radical Catholic) assassinates the King and is canonised by the Catholic league, public rejoicing.
Before he died the King legitimised Henry of Navarres claim on the condition he converted to Catholicism.
Military engagements of the League with Henry of Navarre
Arques 1589 League defeat
Ivry 1590 League defeat
All major towns (except Rouen and Le Havre) taken by Henry in winter 1589
Siege of Paris
May - September 1590, called off by Navarre.
Death of Cardinal Bourbon
May 1590
This splits the League support for a new king between Mayenne, Charles Duke of Guise and Phillip II of Spain. Navarre is the only credible alternative.
