Politiques
Quick Summary
The term "Politiques" refers to a group of French moderates during the 16th-century religious conflicts. They prioritized national unity over the dominance of any single religious sect, advocating for religious toleration as a government policy.1
These Politiques emerged during a period of intense religious strife between Catholics and Protestants, known as the Wars of Religion. The most prominent example of their influence was King Henry IV's promulgation of the Edict of Nantes in 1598. This edict granted substantial religious liberties to the Huguenots, the French Protestants, and aimed to end the devastating religious wars. The Politiques believed that religious tolerance was essential for the stability and well-being of France.231
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
Giordano BrunoEarly life…the tolerant faction of the Politiques (moderate Catholics, sympathizers of the Protestant king of Navarre, Henry of Bourbon, who became the heir apparent to the throne of France in 1584). Bruno’s religious attitude was compatible with this group, and he received the protection of the French king, who appointed him…
Read More…the tolerant faction of the Politiques (moderate Catholics, sympathizers of the Protestant king of Navarre, Henry of Bourbon, who became the heir apparent to the throne of France in 1584). Bruno’s religious attitude was compatible with this group, and he received the protection of the French king, who appointed him…
Read More
Michel de L’Hospital…considered a founder of the Politiques, the moderate Roman Catholic group that tried to bring peace to France during the later years of the Wars of Religion. L’Hospital disapproved of rebellion as a means of bringing about change, and he loathed tyrannicide; he regarded the monarchy as divinely instituted and…
Read More…considered a founder of the Politiques, the moderate Roman Catholic group that tried to bring peace to France during the later years of the Wars of Religion. L’Hospital disapproved of rebellion as a means of bringing about change, and he loathed tyrannicide; he regarded the monarchy as divinely instituted and…
Read More- Henri I, duke de Montmorency
…Roman Catholic party of the Politiques during the French Wars of Religion.
Read More…Roman Catholic party of the Politiques during the French Wars of Religion.
Read More
