Treaty of Nantes facts for kids
The Edict of Nantes was a special law in France that gave Protestants some freedom to practice their religion. It became official on April 13, 1598. The main goal of this law was to bring peace after many years of religious wars in France.
Later, in 1685, King Louis XIV cancelled the Edict of Nantes. He made Catholicism the only official religion in France. This decision caused many Huguenots, who were French Protestants, to leave the country.
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Why King Louis XIV Disliked the Edict
King Louis XIV did not like the Edict of Nantes. He believed that a country should have only one king, one nation, and one church. For him, that church had to be the Roman Catholic Church.
Even after the Edict was in place, the king allowed Roman Catholics to treat Huguenots badly. He hoped that the Huguenots would change their minds and become Roman Catholics. Finally, in 1685, King Louis officially took back the Edict of Nantes.
What Happened After the Edict Was Cancelled?
The government announced that only Roman Catholicism was allowed. Anyone caught practicing Protestantism could face severe punishment, even death. Because of this, many Huguenots died for their beliefs. Some chose to become Roman Catholics to survive. However, many others refused to give up their Protestant faith and fled from France.
King Louis XIV was surprised and upset when so many Huguenots left. They were some of the most skilled workers in France. Many bankers, weavers, and merchants were Huguenots. Louis XIV ordered that France's borders be closed. He said no one could leave the country without his permission.
How Huguenots Escaped France
Despite the king's orders, Protestants still found ways to escape. Some hid in barrels on ships sailing away from France. Others dressed up as peasants to avoid being recognized. In total, more than 200,000 Huguenots managed to escape.
Protestant countries in Europe were happy to welcome these hard-working people. Over a third of the Huguenots went to the Netherlands. From there, many traveled to the Dutch colony at the Cape of Good Hope. Many also went to England, and then to America, especially to Virginia and the Carolinas.
These immigrants were very valuable to their new homes. They were hard-working, obedient, and talented. They also brought many secrets of French manufacturing with them. For example, they helped introduce silk production to other parts of Europe.
Images for kids
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Henry IV of France by Frans Pourbus the younger.
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Louis XIV, by Hyacinthe Rigaud
See also
In Spanish: Edicto de Nantes para niños
