History Essay: The Edict of Nantes and Religious Tolerance in Europe

This essay examines the Edict of Nantes, issued by King Henry IV in 1598, as a crucial turning point in European history, particularly in France. The essay explores the context of religious wars and societal turmoil between the late 16th and mid-17th centuries, highlighting the shift in attitudes towards religion due to scientific advancements and changing perceptions. The Edict's role in ending the French Wars of Religion by granting rights and freedoms to French Protestants is analyzed, including the provisions for religious tolerance, equal rights, and protection from persecution. The document details the edict's stipulations on public religious displays, the prohibition of religious incitement, and the importance of respecting Catholic traditions. Furthermore, it covers the reversal of discriminatory actions against minority religions and the limitations imposed on their associations. The essay concludes by emphasizing the Edict of Nantes' significance in promoting equality and moving governance towards the needs of the people, rather than the needs of religion.

War of Religion and Clash of Worldviews (1560-1648):
The Edict Nantes
Sohrab Singh
10012773
Prof: Nanci Lucas
February 6, 2019

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Europe experienced a transitional phase between the late 16 th Century through the mid
17th Century. This period was filled with war and turmoil, mainly fueled by wars fought for
and over religion. For centuries, religious conformity was vital throughout Europe for the
political and social stability. Due to the escalation of violence and multiple scientific
discoveries disapproving many religious teachings and beliefs, the general population openly
criticized the traditional forms of governance. The advancements and discoveries in science
which disproved religious teachings and theories such as the earth is flat etc., led to a change
in people’s view about religion and the factuality of its teachings1. Many rulers and
Governments in Europe took note of these advancements and changing perceptions among
their people and attempted to harness these changes, mainly to accommodate the needs of
their people and also to provide free hand to church and other religious institutions 2.
The Edict of Nantes, issued by King Henry IV in 1598, illustrates how the attitude of
people, the monarchy and the Government was changed towards religion. The Edict of
Nantes led to the end of the French War of Religions, and it recognised the rights and offered
freedom to the French Protestants towards following their form of religion without any type
of restrictions, fear of persecution, offering them equal rights within the social and political
structure of the French society3.
1 Chappell, Carolyn Lougee. "" The Pains I Took to Save My/His Family": Escape Accounts by a Huguenot Mother and Daughter after the
Revocation of the Edict of Nantes." French Historical Studies (1999): 1-64.
2 Golden, Richard M., ed. The Huguenot connection: the Edict of Nantes, its revocation, and early French migration to South Carolina.
Vol. 125. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.
3 Perry, Elisabeth Israels. From Theology to History: French Religious Controversy and the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes: French
Religious Controversy and the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Vol. 67. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.

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Some of the extracts of the Edict of Nantes offer a decree which recognises the religious
differences and discrimination that led to unrest and violence in the French society with the
French society being fragmented and divided into multiple groups with each holding their
identity. This decree wished for peace, prosperity and unity among the French population
who shared the difference concerning religious following and practices 4.The Edict of Nantes,
instructed the French population to move ahead in their lives without renewing any negative
feelings of resentment which might have been breeding in them due to attacks, atrocities,
violence, persecution, threats etc. experienced during the religious wars as these negative
feelings would continue creating disharmony, create disputes, quarrels and offend different
segments and factions within the French society and this would prevent the French society
from achieving peace and prosperity.
The Edict of Nantes offers equality and protection to minority communities such as the
Protestants. The Edict of Nantes offered equal rights to the minority religious groups and
factions to live and work anywhere in the country and practice their religion while obeying
the laws, rules and regulations of the land. The Edict of Nantes also offered these minority
religious communities and factions protection from any form of inquiry, molestation,
harassment, etc. for practising their religious practices and beliefs. Further it also forbid the
minorities of being forced to go against their religious beliefs 5.
Further, the Edict of Nantes prohibited any showcase or display of religion in public
spaces, unless permitted by the local authorities or the government. The practice of religion
4 Golden, Richard M., ed. The Huguenot connection: the Edict of Nantes, its revocation, and early French migration to South Carolina.
Vol. 125. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.
5 Green, Michael. "The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes." In Literary Encyclopedia. 2017.

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was further prohibited in the courts and government institutions by the Edict of Nantes. All
religious preachers and readers were further prohibited using words and terminology which
can incite or hurt religious sentiments of others or excite the public towards sedition. Religion
could be freely followed in the confinement of the homes and churches without any
restriction, and at the same time, each faction needed to maintain peace and tranquillity
within the kingdom6. While religious minorities were offered protection and religious
freedom, it was also expected that, they respect the traditions and the culture of the Catholics.
As a result of this, Protestants and other religious minorities were prohibited from working
and keeping their shops and trades open during festivals of the Catholic community. Artisans
were also prohibited from working even in their homes privately on these days.
The Edict of Nantes further offered protection from discrimination on the grounds of
religious beliefs. Educational institutions such as school, colleges and Universities, healthcare
institutions such as hospitals and sick houses, and public almshouses were not given the right
to segregate people on the basis of religious beliefs, and each person was to be offered equal
education, healthcare and other facilities irrespective of their religion 7. The Edict of Nantes
further declared all sentences, procedures, judgements, sales, decrees and seizures made
against people of minority and Reformed religions to be reversed, revoked, cancelled and
annulled. These decisions made were termed unfair and unjust and hence, they were inclined
to rectifying their mistake8.
6 Perry, Elisabeth Israels. From Theology to History: French Religious Controversy and the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes: French
Religious Controversy and the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Vol. 67. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.
7 Perry, Elisabeth Israels. From Theology to History: French Religious Controversy and the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes: French
Religious Controversy and the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Vol. 67. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.
8 Pugh, Wilma J. "Social welfare and the Edict of Nantes: Lyon and Nimes." French Historical Studies 8, no. 3 (1974): 349-376.

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The Edict of Nantes also barred all reformed religions and minority communities from
forming an association, collecting taxes and levies, conduct fortification, enrolling men,
congregation and assemblies except the ones which were approved and accepted by the court.
Any such existing associations which were not supported by the court were abolished
immediately9. The Edict of Nantes was instructed to be read, published and registered in
every office, court and institution of the court and the said declarations needed to be
immediately communicated to the population without any delay or alterations,
misrepresentation of the original decree10.
To conclude, the Edict of Nantes can be deemed as one of the steps taken in France
towards ending the religious wars, offering equality of all citizens and ending religious
discrimination, while moving governance towards the need of the people rather than the need
of the religion.
9 Chappell, Carolyn Lougee. "" The Pains I Took to Save My/His Family": Escape Accounts by a Huguenot Mother and Daughter after the
Revocation of the Edict of Nantes." French Historical Studies (1999): 1-64.
10 Green, Michael. "The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes." In Literary Encyclopedia. 2017.

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References
Alcock, Antony. A history of the protection of regional cultural minorities in Europe: From
the Edict of Nantes to the present day. Springer, 2000.
Chappell, Carolyn Lougee. "" The Pains I Took to Save My/His Family": Escape Accounts
by a Huguenot Mother and Daughter after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes." French
Historical Studies (1999): 1-64.
Green, Michael. "The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes." In Literary Encyclopedia. 2017.
Boisson, Didier. "The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes and the Désert." In A Companion to
the Huguenots, pp. 221-245. BRILL, 2016.
Golden, Richard M., ed. The Huguenot connection: the Edict of Nantes, its revocation, and
early French migration to South Carolina. Vol. 125. Springer Science & Business Media,
2012.
Perry, Elisabeth Israels. From Theology to History: French Religious Controversy and the
Revocation of the Edict of Nantes: French Religious Controversy and the Revocation of the
Edict of Nantes. Vol. 67. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.
Pugh, Wilma J. "Social welfare and the Edict of Nantes: Lyon and Nimes." French Historical
Studies 8, no. 3 (1974): 349-376.
Perry, Elisabeth Israels. From Theology to History: French Religious Controversy and the
Revocation of the Edict of Nantes: French Religious Controversy and the Revocation of the
Edict of Nantes. Vol. 67. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.