# First French War of Religion begins (1562)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1562-first-french-war-of-religion-begins
Location: France
Categories: battle

Catholic and Huguenot factions entered open civil war. Within the broader Renaissance & Wars of Religion period, Renaissance monarchy brought Italian wars, humanist culture and overseas exploration. The Reformation then fractured the kingdom, producing decades of civil war between Catholic and Protestant factions. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Charles IX (King of France). First French War of Religion begins mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
First French War of Religion begins mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed.

Ruler at the time: [Charles IX](https://history-france.com/rulers/charles-ix)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — First French War of Religion begins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=First+French+War+of+Religion+begins&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — First French War of Religion begins](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=First+French+War+of+Religion+begins)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)