What was the significance of the Edict of Nantes?

The Edict of Nantes was a decree issued by French King Henry IV in 1598 that granted religious tolerance to the Huguenots, or French Protestants, ending a long period of religious strife and persecution in France. This edict was significant in several ways.

• Firstly, it allowed the Huguenots to openly practice their religion in certain parts of France, giving them legal protection from persecution.
• Secondly, it ended decades of religious wars and conflicts that had devastated France, including the French Wars of Religion that had raged for over 30 years.
• Thirdly, the Edict of Nantes established a precedent for religious tolerance in Europe, inspiring other countries to follow suit and grant greater religious freedom to their citizens.

The Edict of Nantes remained in effect for almost a century, until it was revoked by King Louis XIV in 1685. This revocation led to a renewal of religious persecution in France and the flight of many Huguenots to other countries.