European Wars of Religion

By blagos23
  • Sep 25, 1555

    Peace of Augsburg

    The Peace of Augsburg marked the ending of the conflict in Europe between the Protestant Princes in Germany and the Holy Roman Empire. The results of this event made it to where princes could choose their own religion in their territories. This historical event also increased followers of lutheranism and it was recognized more by European officials.
  • Period: 1562 to

    French Wars of Religion

    This war, between Protestants and Roman Catholics because the Roman Catholics were upset that the French ruler was being tolerant to the Huguenots. After the murder of the Huguenot leader the war was suspended, and then resumed in 1572. The war ended with the Huguenots gaining peace and the ability to worship freely and Henry embracing Roman Catholicism and religious toleration of the Huguenots.
  • Aug 24, 1572

    Bartholomew’s Day Massacre

    On this day Huguenots celebrated Henri de Navarre's wedding in Paris, France. This event went downhill when the Huguenots were targeted by Catholic mobs. This horrible act of terrorism resulted in over 3000 Huguenots dead.

  • Edict of Nantes

    The Edict of Nantes was a doctrine issued by the French King Henry IV. The Edict declared freedom of religion in order to promote unity among territories. This major event increased diversity and religions in Europe.
  • Period: to

    30 Year War

    Ferdinand II was determined to eradicate protestants from the Holy Roman Empire and that caused conflict between him and the resident protestants. Germany, already engulfed in war, was introduced to many Protestant and Catholic fighters from all over Europe. The war ended due to exhaustion and no clear winner, so all countries involved signed a peace treaty known as the Treaty of Westphalia.

  • Treaty of Westphalia

    This peace treaty ended the 30-year war and brought harmony to the Holy Roman Empire. The treaty- negotiated in Münster and Osnabrück resulted in the Netherlands becoming independent from Spain, Sweden's power grew, and German states were allowed to choose religions of their regions. The series of wars caused 8 million deaths and this treaty brought peace and reconciliation to the territories involved.