R9-1-17

The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685 signified France’s depopulation of Huguenots. Previously, under the Edict of Nantes that was established in 1598 by King Henry IV, Protestants gained all civil and legal rights. However, under the harsh Catholic rule of Louis XIV, these privileges were stripped from every Protestant, therefore encouraging the emigration of such highly talented laborers. Louis XIV caused financial difficulties for France due to the decreased production of goods because of the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes and Protestant scarcity. However, while many Protestants did flee France after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes some remained in France and secretly continued to practice their faith. "Edict of Nantes." //Encyclopedia.com //. 2008. Columbia Encyclopedia. 23 Apr 2009 .