King Henry IV of France

Definition

King Henry IV of France, also known as 'Good King Henry', was the first French monarch from the House of Bourbon. He is best known for issuing the Edict of Nantes, which granted religious freedom to Protestants.

Analogy

Imagine a school where students are divided into two groups based on their favorite sports. The principal (Henry IV) steps in and declares that everyone has the right to like any sport they want without being bullied or excluded. This is similar to what Henry IV did with the Edict of Nantes.

Related terms

Edict of Nantes: A 1598 decree issued by Henry IV that granted substantial rights in a nation primarily Catholic to Protestants.

Wars of Religion (France): A series of violent wars between Catholics and Huguenots (French Protestants) in France during late 16th century.

House of Bourbon: A European royal house of French origin, a branch of Capetian dynasty; members have ruled in various countries including France, Spain, Naples and Sicily.