# Edict of Nantes (1598)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1598-edict-of-nantes
Location: Nantes
Categories: main-event

Henry IV granted substantial civil and worship rights to Huguenots while maintaining Catholic primacy. Within the broader Bourbon & Ancien Régime period, Bourbon France became a leading European power through stronger royal government, global expansion, war and court culture. Fiscal strain, social privilege and Enlightenment criticism accumulated beneath the apparent strength of the Ancien Régime. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Henry IV (King of France). Edict of Nantes mattered because religion was closely tied to political legitimacy, community identity and public institutions. 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
Edict of Nantes mattered because religion was closely tied to political legitimacy, community identity and public institutions.

Ruler at the time: [Henry IV](https://history-france.com/rulers/henry-iv)

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