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Sep 25, 1555
Peace of Augsburg
The Peace of Augsburg was a piece of legislation written up by the Diet of the Holy Roman Empire in 1555. It was the first ever law that allowed the coexistence of Catholicism and Lutheranism in Europe. The Peace allowed for state princes to decide whether they would enforce Catholicism or Lutheranism in their domains. It also allowed for there to be emmigration of citizens who did not respect the religious choice of their prince. -
Period: 1562 to
The French Wars of Religion
The French Wars of Religion were a series of conflicts that took place in France between the years of 1562 and 1598. They involved fights between the Huguenots (French protestants) and the Roman Catholic ruling class. Although peace agreements were reached, the conflict restarted in 1572 following the Bartholomew's Day Massacre. Peace agreements were subsequently reached again, but soon fell through when the Huguenot leader became heir to the throne before being reached again in 1598. -
Aug 24, 1572
St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre
The St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre was a mass killing that took place in Paris on August 24/25, 1572. It involved the murders of numerous Huguenot leaders such as Gaspard de Coligny. It was planned by Catherine de Medici, the mother of King Charles IX of France. -
The Edict of Nantes
The Edict of Nantes was a law passed on April 13, 1598 by Henry IV of France. It is known for providing many rights to the Huguenot minority and was one of the first ever pieces of legislation allowing religious tolerance. It also accompanied Henry IV's conversion to Catholicism. -
Period: to
The Thirty Years' War
The Thirty Years' War was a series of religious conflicts that occured in Europe from 1618-1648 that lead to over 8 million casualties. It arose when Ferdinand II of the Holy Roman Empire forced Catholicism onto his subjects despite the Peace of Augsburg. Soon, Catholics and Protestants from throughout the Empire began to fight. As the war raged on, it became less about religion and more about politics and is today remembered as one of Europe's defining moments. -
The Treaty of Westphalia
The Treaty of Westphalia was a peace agreement that brought the Thirty Years' War to a close. Nearly all European powers were represented at the signing of the treaty. It is commonly said that the treaty provided the foundation for the modern day nation-state system.