On This Day

By Edict of Orleans French persecution of Huguenots is suspended

The 1559–1562 French political crisis was induced by the sudden death of the King Henri II (otherwise known as Henry II) in July 1559.

The 1559–1562 French political crisis was induced by the sudden death of the King Henri II (otherwise known as Henry II) in July 1559. With his death, the throne fell to François II (otherwise known as Francis II) who though not a minor, lacked the ability to command authority due to his young age. Actual power fell to two of Henri II's favourites, the duke of Guise (French: duc de Guise), François and the cardinal of Lorraine (French: cardinal de Lorraine), Charles who quickly moved to assert a monopoly of their authority over the administration of the kingdom. Royal patronage would flow to them and their clients, with those of their rival, Constable Montmorency quickly starved of royal favour.

Historical Significance

The 1559–1562 French political crisis was induced by the sudden death of the King Henri II (otherwise known as Henry II) in July 1559.

Events Before

  1. Spanish King Philip II (10) marries Elisabeth of Valois (13), daughter of Henry II of France

    Henry II (French: Henri II; 31 March 1519 – 10 July 1559) was King of France from 1547 until his death in 1559.

  2. Christian fleet under Gian Andrea lands at Djerba, North Africa

    Christian fleet under Gian Andrea lands at Djerba, North Africa

  3. Spanish fleet occupies Djerba near Tripoli

    Spanish fleet occupies Djerba near Tripoli

  4. Failed assault on royal palace in Amboise, France

    Failed assault on royal palace in Amboise, France

  5. England and Scotland sign Treaty of Edinburgh

    The Treaty of Edinburgh (also known as the Treaty of Leith) was a treaty drawn up on 5 July 1560 between the Commissioners of Queen Elizabeth I of England with the assent of the Scottish Lords of the...

Events After

  1. Jean Ribault and colonists arrive in Florida, the first French colonists in North America

    Jean Ribault (also spelled Ribaut) (1520 – October 12, 1565) was a French naval officer, navigator, and a colonizer of what would become the southeastern United States.

  2. The Council of Trent is reopened by Pope Pius IV for its third (and final) session

    The Council of Trent (Latin: Concilium Tridentinum), held between 1545 and 1563 in Trent (or Trento), in northern Italy, was the 19th ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church.

  3. Blood bath at Vassy: Francois de Guise's troops open fire on Huguenot congregation, first event in Wars of Religion

    Blood bath at Vassy: Francois de Guise's troops open fire on Huguenot congregation, first event in Wars of Religion

  4. Kissing in public is banned in Naples and is punishable by death

    Kissing in public is banned in Naples and is punishable by death

  5. General Francois de Guise enters Paris

    General Francois de Guise enters Paris

More from the 1560s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on January 28, 1561?
The 1559–1562 French political crisis was induced by the sudden death of the King Henri II (otherwise known as Henry II) in July 1559. With his death, the throne fell to François II (otherwise known as Francis II) who though not a minor, lacked the ability to command authority due to his young age. Actual power fell to two of Henri II's favourites, the duke of Guise (French: duc de Guise), François and the cardinal of Lorraine (French: cardinal de Lorraine), Charles who quickly moved to assert a monopoly of their authority over the administration of the kingdom.
Why is By Edict of Orleans French persecution of Huguenots is suspended significant?
The 1559–1562 French political crisis was induced by the sudden death of the King Henri II (otherwise known as Henry II) in July 1559.

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