European Wars of Religion

  • 1555

    Peace of Augsburg

    Treaty between the Catholics and Lutherans, more specifically between Charles V and Schmalkaldic League. Stated that each prince can choose the region of his era. Was a political settlement about the split of Christianity between the two beliefs. First solid legal basis for the existence of Lutheranism and Catholicism in Germany. The prince or king selected either of the two as their official religion of their land, Catholic bishops had to give up their property if they turned Lutheran.
  • Period: 1562 to

    French Wars of Religion

    French Calvinist, called "Huguenots," and Catholics engaged in a struggle for control of France. Horrible massacres occurred on both sides, the worst of which was the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre's in 1572.
  • 1572

    Bartholomew Day Massacre

    Cardinal of Lorraine planned to murder Admiral Coligny. Was a mass murder of 10,000 Huguenots all over france, Catholic mobs attack protestants brutally murdering them. Protestant found stronghold in south of France away from Catholics in Paris. Created almost independent state with own taxes and law courts. Angered government and Catholics. Wars started to become political and religious.
  • Edict of Nantes

    Ended the War of Three Henry's. Henry IV of France granted the French Huguenots liberty of conscience and worship. The Huguenots were granted 150 places of safety, such as La Rochelle. Its purpose was primarily to end the long running french wars of religion & restore peace. Also prepared the way of French absolutism in the seventeenth century by restoring internal unity.
  • Period: to

    30 Year War

    Was a series of wars caused by the religious conflicts around Europe. Battle between the Catholic and Protestant states that resulted in around 8 million deaths. This war was caused by religion but then lead to many other battles such as territory, power, and commercial rivalries. This war was eventually ended with the Treaty of Westphalia, but Europe had been changed in so many ways.
  • Period: to

    Treaty of Westphalia

    This Treaty ended the 30 year war and caused a change in the balance of powers in Europe. Many things were done though this treaty such as Netherlands gained freedom from Spain, France held power over western states, power was taken from the Holy Roman Empire, and Germans chose their own religious. All of this gave most everyone what they wanted which allowed peace and some equality throughout Europe.