Henry IV signed the Edict of Nantes in April 1598, granting rights to Huguenots within Catholic France. It promoted civil unity while allowing differences of religious conscience, continuing earlier measures associated with Catherine de Medici. Its protections helped end the French Wars of Religion and gave Protestants and Catholics broadly comparable treatment under the law. One interpretation of Louis XIV's later revocation is that he sought stronger Catholic credentials while fighting Protestant powers and pursuing influence elsewhere in Europe. He may have expected officers to convert and remain in service. Instead, the departure of experienced personnel damaged both the army and the navy.
Notable Point · 1:34:03-1:37:58
The Edict of Nantes separates civil loyalty from religious uniformity
The 1598 settlement offered Huguenots legal protection; its later revocation exchanged religious accommodation for a costly loss of military experience.