Who were the French Protestants of the 16th and 17th centuries?

Answer by  jollypolly (21)

Often referred to as Huegenots, French Protestants were often prosecuted under the authority of the Catholic French monarchy. These were people who subscribed to the teachings of Martin Luther rather than the prevailing teachings of the Catholic church.

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

The French Protestants were called Huguenots. They were also called French Calvinists. The official title was the Protestant Reformed Church of France. They were persecuted by the French Catholic monarchy and government. They were driven from France to other surrounding countries, North America, and South America by the 18th Century.

Answer by  Michele13 (1188)

The French Protestants from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were known as the Heugenots.Since they faced persecution in their home country under the rulers of the time,many of them emigrated to countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium.That is why some people have Dutch ancestors who have French names.Eventually some of them went to the New World.

Answer by  Alexios (161)

The Hugenots were also known as "French Protestants." Because of the French Wars of Religion, which were won by the opposing Catholics, many of them were forced to flee France.

Answer by  TZ16 (367)

The French Protestants were called Hugnuenots. The Huguenots separated from the Roman Catholic Church. The Huguenots followed the teachings of John Calvin and were Calvinist. The state accepted the Catholic faith. At one point, almost 1 of ever 8 French citizens were Huguenots. Religious wars occurred in France. The Huguenots later left France to other European countries and North America.

Answer by  sfmike2000 (56)

During the Renaissance period there was a battle playing out in the religious world. The Catholic Church had rule religion for centuries, but French movement gave rise to the Huguenots sect. Many bloody battles ensued and thousands of Huguenots were subsequently killed.

Answer by  Anonymous

French who left the Catholic Church as the Protestant Reformation swept Europe following the 1517 declaration. Millions were brutally executed as heretics. Many fled to England sailed to England in the 1620's. George Washington was one.