Why was the Edict of Nantes a remarkable document?

Answer 1

The Edict of Nantes granted freedom of conscience to the Huguenots, the Protestant minority in France, and prevented large-scale religious conflict in the country. It was eventually abrogated by Louis XIV, leading to a mass departure of Protestants from France.

Answer 2

By giving the Protestants the right to practice their religion (except in Paris), the areas they lived in would not be in rebellion against the King. Henry IV who issued the Edict was originally a Protestant who converted so he could become King of France. The Huguenots or Protestants were an industrious commercial class. The Catholic church bitterly resented this edict and got Louis XIV to revoke it in 1685. The Protestants never regained their rights until the French Revolution.

Answer 3

The Edict of Nantes was one of the first documents within Christendom which extended freedom of religion to more than one religion. It permitted Catholics and Protestants to both worship freely in France.

Answer 4

It was issued to create civil unity and not as some grand plan of religious tolerance.