European Wars of Religion

  • 1555

    Peace of Augsburg

    A legal basis for coexistence of Catholism and Lutheranism in Germany (Holy Roman Empire). It allowed state princes to select Catholism or Lutheranism as their religion of choice. Calvinism and other Protestant denominations were not mentioned.
  • Period: 1562 to

    French Wars of Religion

    The French Wars of Religion was a period of war and unrest between Catholics and Huguenots. It is believed that 3 million people died during this time either from disease, violence, or famine.
  • 1572

    Bartolomew's Day Massacre

    A targeted group of assassinations and a wave of Catholic mob violence direceted agaisnt the Huguenots duirng the Wars of Religon in France. The massacre marked a turning point in the Wars of Religion.
  • Edicts of Nantes

    This granted the Calvinist Protestants of France rights in the nation, which had been considered to be essentially Catholic. It was signed by King Henry IV and seperated civil from religious unity.
  • Period: to

    30 Years War

    Primarily fought in Central Europe and is now seen as one of Europe's wide struggles. It is estimated that there was 4.5-8 million military deaths during this time period.
  • Treaty of Westphalia

    The Treart of Westphalia was signed Münster and brought an end to the 30 Years War in the Holy Roman Empire. This closed a period of time in Europe that killed about 8 million people.