Henry IV is crowned King of France.

One of France's most pivotal and celebrated monarchs, Henry IV, also affectionately known as Good King Henry or Henry the Great, presided over a transformative era in French history. Born on December 13, 1553, he would eventually ascend to become King of Navarre (as Henry III) in 1572 and, more significantly, King of France from 1589 until his untimely assassination on May 14, 1610. His reign marked the dawn of the illustrious House of Bourbon, a cadet branch of the ancient Capetian dynasty, setting the stage for centuries of French royal lineage.

Early Life, Heritage, and the Embrace of Protestantism

Henry's origins were deeply rooted in French nobility; he was the son of Antoine de Bourbon, Duke of Vendôme, and Jeanne d'Albret, the formidable Queen of Navarre. While he was baptized a Catholic, his devout mother ensured he was raised within the Protestant faith, making him a Huguenot. This upbringing would define much of his early life and thrust him into the volatile heart of the French Wars of Religion. Upon his mother's death in 1572, Henry inherited the throne of Navarre, stepping into a role of leadership amidst profound national strife. His early years were fraught with danger, famously including a narrow escape from assassination during the horrific St. Bartholomew's Day massacre. As a prominent Huguenot leader, he later found himself at the head of Protestant forces, challenging the royal army in a deeply divided nation.

The Royal Bloodline: From Saint Louis to Bourbon

Tracing his lineage back to the revered King Louis IX, Henry IV shared a common ancestor with his predecessor, Henry III of France. However, their paths diverged through different branches of the Capetian dynasty. Henry III belonged to the House of Valois, descended from Philip III, the elder son of Saint Louis. Henry IV, conversely, hailed from the House of Bourbon, a line stemming from Robert, Count of Clermont, Saint Louis's younger son. This esteemed heritage meant that as Head of the House of Bourbon, Henry was recognized as the "first prince of the blood," a title that underscored his significant claim to the French throne. This claim became undeniable upon the death of his distant cousin and brother-in-law, Henry III, in 1589, when the ancient Salic law officially called Henry IV to the French succession, ushering in a new royal epoch.

From Protestant Heir to Catholic Monarch: Securing the French Crown

Assuming the French throne was far from straightforward for Henry IV. He initially maintained his Protestant faith, making him the only French king ever to do so, which immediately put him at odds with the powerful Catholic League. This staunchly Catholic faction vehemently denied his right to wear the French crown as a Protestant, plunging the kingdom into a four-year period of intense conflict and stalemate. Faced with the stark reality that a Protestant king could not truly govern a predominantly Catholic nation, Henry made a pragmatic and momentous decision: he converted to Catholicism. It is famously said he declared, "Paris is well worth a mass" (Paris vaut bien une messe), illustrating his political acumen and dedication to unifying his fractured kingdom.

A Pragmatic Ruler: Peace, Prosperity, and Colonial Ambition

Henry IV proved to be an exceptionally active and forward-thinking ruler, earning his reputation as a "politique" – a pragmatic politician who prioritized state stability over religious dogma. His most enduring legacy in this regard was the promulgation of the Edict of Nantes in 1598. This landmark decree guaranteed significant religious liberties to Protestants throughout France, thereby effectively bringing an end to the brutal French Wars of Religion that had torn the nation apart for decades. Beyond fostering religious peace, Henry was dedicated to strengthening France. He meticulously worked to regularize state finances, promote agriculture, root out corruption within the administration, and encourage education across the realm. His vision extended beyond France's borders, too. During his reign, the French colonization of the Americas truly began, marking a new chapter in global exploration and expansion with the establishment of early colonies like Acadia and Canada at Port-Royal and Quebec, respectively.

Legacy and Assassination

Henry IV's efforts to bring peace and prosperity to France cemented his place in history and popular memory. He is celebrated in the enduring popular song "Vive le roi Henri," a tune that later became an unofficial anthem for the French monarchy during the reigns of his successors. The influential philosopher Voltaire also immortalized him in his epic poem, Henriade. Despite his transformative reign and popularity, Henry's life was tragically cut short. In 1610, he was assassinated by François Ravaillac, a Catholic zealot, leaving his son, Louis XIII, to inherit a kingdom he had painstakingly rebuilt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Henry IV

Who was Henry IV?
Henry IV was a significant French monarch, King of Navarre from 1572 and King of France from 1589 to 1610, renowned for ending the French Wars of Religion and establishing the House of Bourbon on the French throne.
When did Henry IV reign as King of France?
Henry IV reigned as King of France from 1589 until his assassination in 1610.
What was Henry IV famous for?
He is most famous for converting to Catholicism to secure the French throne ("Paris is well worth a mass"), promulgating the Edict of Nantes which granted religious freedom to Protestants, and thereby ending the French Wars of Religion. He also began French colonization in the Americas and revitalized state finance and agriculture.
What was the Edict of Nantes?
The Edict of Nantes was a decree issued by Henry IV in 1598 that granted substantial rights to Protestants (Huguenots) in France, effectively bringing an end to the French Wars of Religion.
Was Henry IV a Protestant or a Catholic?
Henry IV was raised as a Protestant (Huguenot) but converted to Catholicism in 1593 to ensure his acceptance as King of France, famously stating, "Paris is well worth a mass."
How did Henry IV die?
Henry IV was assassinated on May 14, 1610, by a Catholic zealot named François Ravaillac.
Who succeeded Henry IV?
Henry IV was succeeded by his son, Louis XIII.
What was the House of Bourbon?
The House of Bourbon was the royal dynasty founded by Henry IV, a cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty, which would rule France for centuries following his reign.