After establishing his grip on the French throne and his conversion to Catholicism in order that he could gain the allegiance of his people, King Henry IV wished to bring lasting peace to a country which for decades had been torn apart by conflict over religion. Realizing that France would never flourish under relentless war and sectarian strife, he became a history-maker in 1598 by signing the Edict of Nantes. This decree was a landmark in European history, as it set a precedent for religious tolerance in a country where Catholicism had been the sole dominant force. The Edict of Nantes granted Huguenots, or French Protestants, broad civil and religious liberties. They could freely practice their faith, have public worship in predetermined locations, read and distribute the Bible, and refuse to attend Catholic mass without penalty. Huguenots could also hold public office, which was once denied them on account of religion. One of the more controversial clauses of the edict was the right of the Huguenots to bear arms and garrison certain towns for defensive purposes.
The move was intended to protect them from further persecution or attack by Catholic troops that might seek to invalidate the decree. Some 200 towns, including the Protestant stronghold of La Rochelle, were accorded this privilege, allowing them to maintain their own defense forces and act like autonomous states within the kingdom. While this provision comforted Protestants, it also created long-term tensions, as many Catholics viewed these fortified towns as a challenge to national unity. Alongside solving religious issues, Henry IV's rule was characterized by his Politique style of governance. In contrast to monarchs whose authority was indisputably tied to religious affiliation, Henry wanted to prioritize the state's peace and prosperity over religious affiliation.
As a Politique, he attempted to establish a clear boundary between church and state, where religious affiliation would not decide one's place in society or government. His policies prioritized national unity, economic growth, and effective administration over religious dogma. With the signing of the Edict of Nantes, Henry IV ended the French Wars of Religion, which had devastated France for over three decades. His reign was a period of relative peace and stability, allowing France to heal and prosper. Even though the edict was later revoked in 1685 by King Louis XIV, and this resulted in persecution of the Protestants once again, Henry IV's determination for religious tolerance set a standard for subsequent debates regarding religious liberty in Europe.
His ability to balance religious differences with strengthening the French monarchy solidified his position as one of France's most pragmatic and popular kings.
