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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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Huguenot
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1992-09-02
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French Protestant in the 16th century; the
term referred mainly to Calvinists. Severely
persecuted under Francis I and Henry II, the
Huguenots survived both an attempt to
exterminate them (the Massacre of St
Bartholomew 24 Aug 1572) and the religious
wars of the next 30 years. In 1598 Henry IV
(himself formerly a Huguenot) granted them
toleration under the Edict of Nantes. Louis
XIV revoked the edict 1685, attempting their
forcible conversion, and 400,000 emigrated.
Some of the nobles adopted Protestantism for
political reasons, causing the civil wars
1592-98. The Huguenots lost military power
after the revolt at La Rochelle 1627-29, but
were still tolerated by the chief ministers
Richelieu and Mazarin. Provoked by Louis XIV
they left, taking their industrial skills
with them; 40,000 settled in Britain, where
their descendants include the actor David
Garrick and the textile manufacturer Samuel
Courtauld. Many settled in North America,
founding new towns. Only in 1802 was the
Huguenot church again legalized in France.
Provoked by Louis XIV they left, taking their
industrial skills with them; many settled in
North America, where they founded such towns
as New Rochelle and New Paltz, NY. Only in
1802 was the Huguenot church again legalized
in France.