Once upon a time,

The French Wars of Religion were a series of eight wars between Protestant and Catholic fractions in        France.

It's the 16th century in France, and the tension is getting pretty intense.

The Catholic side, led by the powerful House of Guise, was determined to keep France mainly Catholic.

They had a lot of influence, and they weren't shy about using it.

The Massacre of Vassy in 1572:

First War (1562-1563)

The Duke of Guise attacked a Huguenot Congregation, sparking serious problems.

The war ended with the Edict of Amboise which granted limited religious rights to the Huguenots.

Second War (1567-1568)

Battle of Saint-Denis:

The Catholics, led by Anne de Montmorency, fought against the Huguenots, but there was no decisive victory.

The Peace of Longjumeau ended this war, but it was more of a temporary truce.

Third War (1568-1570)

The Battle of Jarnac and Battle of Moncontour:

The Huguenots, led by Admiral Coligny fought fiercely. 

But unfortunately, he was defeated. 

The Peace of Saint-German-en-Laye ended this war.

This granted more modifications to 

the Huguenots.

The St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre in 1572:

The Catholic's were fearing the power of the Huguenots, so they decided to strike first.

On one 

fearful night, thousands of 

Huguenots were killed in Paris. 

This cause violence to spread 

throughout France.

Fourth War (1572-1573)

The Siege of La Rochelle followed, where the Huguenots held out against the royal forces.

The war ended with the Peace of La Rachelle, which allowed the Huguenots to keep their

 fortified cities.

Fifth War (1574-1576)

Edict of Beaulieu:

After the death of Charles IX's death, his brother Henry III took the throne.

The war saw the formation of the 

Catholic League.

This is a powerful group determined to crush the Huguenots.

The Peace of Monsieur ended this war, 

granting the Huguenots significant 

concessions.

Sixth War (1576-1577)

The Battle of Dormans:

The moderations from the previous peace didn't sit well with many Catholics, leading to renewed fighting.