b1815thand16th

18. **Edict of Nantes 1598-** During the 16th century France was split between two religious groups know as the Huguenots and the Catholics. These groups started many religious riots such as the Saint Bartholomew’s Day massacre, and ultimately lead to a civil war in France. Henry the fourth published the Edict of Nantes in order to stop the fighting and create internal peace. The Edict of Nantes granted to Huguenots the liberty to worship and practice their religious traditions publicly in many French towns; The Edict of Nantes prepared the way fro French absolutism in the 17th century by helping restore peace inside of France. McKay, John P. __History of Western society__. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2003.