The background to the French Wars in Religion have to be known to explain the course of the wars between 1562 and 1598. The role of individuals – such as Catherine de Medici – before 1562 are important in understanding the complexities that evolved during the wars.
Henry II died in 1559.
“His death was like the sluice gates damning up a flood. By his death the waters were released.” (N. Sutherland)
The short reign of Francis II was dominated by court and family intrigue. Francis was never in good health and this was taken advantage of. His wife, Mary, Queen of Scots, ensured that the Guise family was influential at court. However, the king’s mother, Catherine de Medici, wanted to ensure that the Medici family’s influence remained strong. During the reign of Henry II, Catherine had stayed in the background like a dutiful wife. Now when her son was king she asserted herself – least of all was she going to allow her family to be superseded by the Guise family. Catherine lived in an era when no noble family could be trusted. Her sole aim was to protect her children but the position of the royal family had been severely dented by the untimely death of Henry II. In protecting her ailing son, she showed courage and resourcefulness.
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