Henry IV of France

King of France and Edict of Nantes

Henry IV of France - Leaders & Politicians born December 13th, 1553
Born
Died
Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

France

Links & References

Ruled as King of France from 1589 until his assassination in 1610. First monarch of the House of Bourbon, significantly strengthened the central authority of the French state. Promoted religious tolerance with the Edict of Nantes in 1598, granting substantial rights to Huguenots after decades of civil war over religious disputes. Implemented economic reforms that led to recovery and improvement in agriculture and trade. His reign marked the transition from the Wars of Religion to a period of relative peace.

Issued the Edict of Nantes in 1598

Strengthened French central authority

Led France during the transition to peace

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