What did the Edict of Nantes do for their culture?
It gave them a measure of freedom of Religion, and allowed them to worship in the open in a non-Roman Catholic way, in a Roman Catholic country.
The Pope was not at all pleased with King Henry IV.
http://www.historytoday.com/richard-cavendish/edict-nantes
The Edict of Nantes was a law issued in 1598 by King Henry IV of France. It granted religious freedom to the Huguenots, who were French Protestants, and ended the religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in France.
To understand what the Edict of Nantes did for their culture, we need to look at the historical context. During the 16th and 17th centuries, France experienced a series of religious wars known as the French Wars of Religion. These wars were primarily fought between Catholics and Huguenots, which created a deep divide within French society.
The Edict of Nantes played a significant role in shaping French culture by promoting religious tolerance and ending the persecution of the Huguenots. Here are some key cultural impacts of the Edict:
1. Religious Freedom: The Edict allowed Huguenots the right to practice their religion freely in designated areas of France. This granted them the freedom to worship, establish churches, and educate their children according to their own beliefs. This religious freedom contributed to the enrichment of cultural diversity within French society.
2. Peace and Stability: By granting religious freedom and ending the religious conflicts, the Edict of Nantes brought a sense of peace and stability to France. This allowed for the growth of cultural exchange, intellectual pursuits, arts, and sciences.
3. Economic Development: The Huguenots were known for their skills in various industries, such as silk manufacturing, banking, and shipbuilding. The Edict allowed them to continue their economic activities, contributing to the growth of trade and industry in France. Their entrepreneurial spirit and expertise helped in the development of French culture and economy.
4. Intellectual and Artistic Contributions: The Edict of Nantes led to an influx of Huguenot scholars, artists, and thinkers who had previously been persecuted. Their contributions in fields such as literature, philosophy, science, and architecture enriched French culture and intellectual life.
It is worth noting that the Edict of Nantes was revoked in 1685 by King Louis XIV, leading to renewed persecution of Huguenots and their subsequent emigration from France. However, the impact it had during its existence significantly influenced French culture and laid the foundation for later struggles for religious freedom and human rights.