How Did Religion Affect European Society

With the rise of Protestantism, the intolerance between peoples of different religious faiths had led Europe into a constant state of religious war. Starting out as peasant revolts, religious conflicts grew into major wars as the Church continuously denounced Protestantism, eventually leading to the persecution of Protestants all over Europe. The Switzerland Reformation, the Dutch Revolt, the Bohemian Revolt, and notably, the killing of thousands of French Huguenots during Saint Bartholomew’s Day Massacre were the main conflicts that erupted from religious disagreements between Catholics and Protestants. Catholics viewed those practicing other religions as heretics and sought to convert them back to Catholicism, if not, rid Europe of Protestantism. However, Protestantism had already grown deep roots within European society and, by no means, could ever be rooted out. Even the Holy Roman Empire, the mother

French King Henry IV and French Chief Minister Cardinal Richelieu were among the first to recognize that a predominant religion could no longer hold a country in power— instead, they had to reduce the importance of religion and turn their focus towards politics. By utilizing religion, not for means of combat but as a political tool, they achieved their goals: Henry IV became King of France and Richelieu led France to become the dominant power of Europe.

Henry VI of Navarre was known for abruptly changing his religious faith from Calvinism to Catholicism, ending the French Wars of Religion, and consolidating France into a unified nation. After the death of Catherine de Médici’s youngest son, the Duke of Anjou, Henry of Navarre became next in line after the reigning of Henry III. Henry of Navarre, a Protestant Calvinist, posed a threat to the