The Importance of the Tumult of Amboise in Bringing About Conflict Between Catholics and Protestants by 1562

The Importance of the Tumult of Amboise in Bringing About Conflict Between Catholics and Protestants by 1562

The Tumult of Amboise in 1560 was caused by factionalism, religious

rivalry and a threat to the Crown’s authority. The atmosphere the

Tumult of Amboise caused may have gave way to the conflict between

Catholics and Protestants in 1562. Although the conspiracy did not

achieve its aims it was still important as it was a threat to the

crown, and they where prepared to challenge the kings authority,

although the conspirators did claim that the threat was never against

the king but against the Guise, as an anti-Guise campaign. However the

Tumult of Amboise was still an important factor in causing the French

Wars of Religion at this time, as it added to the tension and

atmosphere between the Protestants and Catholics.

There where a three main factions at the court of Francis II the Guise

who had the most influence over the king, the Bourbons who would gain

the throne if the Valois died out and the Montmorencys who where in

great rivalry with the Guise. The factionalism at court caused a great

amount of tension and caused jealousy, this then lead to pressure from

Calvinist allies and clients of the Bourbons pushing them into open

confrontation with the Guise.

The encouragement of the conflict between the Protestants and

Catholics is shown when Paris Protestants urged King Anthony of

Navarre to attempt a military coup and to seize control of the court,

and the seat in government by force. The consequence of the

encouragement by the Paris Protestants, was anyone who wished to break

the Guise stronghold looked to the Navarre’s brothe...

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...id not want Protestants spreading their faith and making people

question Catholicism. This meant there was great tension between the

two groups, which could and would eventually cause civil war.

The Tumoult of Amboise was a very important factor as it helped create

greater tension in France at a time when the crown was weak, and there

was great religious tension. This meant the atmosphere was ready to

explode and with the crown been weak at this time due to 15 year old

Francis II, the Duke of Guise made things worse at the St Bartholomew

day Massacre, as this create civil war. This was the beginning of the

French Wars of Religion. The Tumoult of Amboise is very important as

it seems like the starting factor which helped cause the French Wars

of Religion, as it was the beginning conspiracy that started certain

events.