Editing Culture of France (section)

===Protestantism===
{{Main|Protestantism in France}}
France was touched by the Reformation during the 16th century; some 30% of the population converted to Protestantism and became known as [[French Huguenots]]. Some princes joined the reform movement. But the national monarchy felt threatened by people who wanted to leave the established state religion. Protestants were discriminated against and suppressed. On 24 August 1572, the [[St. Bartholomew's Day massacre]] took place in Paris and the [[French Wars of Religion]] are considered to have begun. this French civil war took place between Catholics, led by [[Henry I, Duke of Guise]], and Protestants, led by [[Henri de Navarre]]. Henri de Navarre became king after converting to Catholicism in 1589.

[[Louis XIII]], Henri IV's son, began to suppress Protestants in violent attacks, such as the [[Siege of La Rochelle]]. After [[Louis XIV]] revoked the [[Edit de Nantes]] in 1685, Protestants who did not leave the country were generally suppressed. Thousands of Protestant [[Huguenots]] emigrated from France for their safety and to gain religious freedom, generally going to Protestant nations such as the Netherlands, England, [[Huguenots in South Africa|South Africa]], and the [[Huguenot#North America|North American]] colonies.<ref>Birnsiel Eckart & Bernat Chrystel, ''La Diaspora des Huguenots : les réfugiés Protestants de France et leur dispersion dans le monde (XVIe – XVIIIe)'', Paris, Edition Champion, 2005</ref> Their exile continued during the 17th century and until 1787, when religious freedom was re-established by [[Louis XVI]].