The Edict of Nantes

In the year 1598 King Henry IV. of France issued, at Nantes, an edict which secured to the Huguenots freedom of conscience, and equal rights and privileges with the Roman Catholics.

In 1685 Louis XIV. revoked the Edict of Nantes.

The Huguenots' churches were destroyed; and orders were given to take Protestant children from their parents, that they might be instructed in the Roman-Catholic faith.

There was no longer any safety for the Huguenots in France: nothing was left but to flee from their native land. Every precaution was taken by the government to prevent their emigration; but, notwithstanding this, almost half a million Huguenots succeeded in reaching Protestant countries, carrying with them, not only their wealth, but also their skill in manufacture. The fugitives were welcomed in England, Holland, and Germany, which countries were much benefited by their industries; while to the prosperity of France their departure was such a severe blow that she has never recovered from it.