The tragedy of St. Bartholomew's Day marked the culmination of the
great struggle which devastated France in the latter half of the
sixteenth century. During the reign of Francis I (1515-1547) and his
immediate successors, Henry II (1547-1559), Francis II (1559-1560),
and Charles IX (1560-1574), "the Huguenot (French Protestant)
character was formed, and the nation gradually separated into two
parties so fanatically hostile that the extermination of the weaker
seemed the only possible means of reestablishing the unity of
France."
The "Puritans of France" were persecuted under all these kings.
During the minority of Charles IX his mother, Catherine de' Medici,
was regent, and throughout his reign she dictated the King's policy.
Under this rule the persecutions continued with increasing violence.
From 1562 to 1570 France was torn with civil wars between Catholics
and Protestants. On the Protestant side the great leaders were the
Prince of Conde, Admiral Coligny, and later Henry of Navarre. Conde
was murdered in 1569. By the Peace of St. Germain (1570) the
Huguenots received some favorable concessions. The weak Charles IX,
now in fear of Philip II of Spain, was inclining to the Protestant
side.
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