# Henry IV of France

> King of Navarre from 1572 to 1610 and King of France from 1589 to 1610 (1553-1610)

**Wikidata**: [Q936976](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q936976)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_IV_of_France)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/henry-iv-of-france

## Summary
Henry IV of France (1553–1610) was the King of Navarre from 1572 and King of France from 1589 until his death in 1610. He is best known for ending the French Wars of Religion, converting to Catholicism, and issuing the Edict of Nantes, which granted religious tolerance to Protestants.

## Biography
- Born: December 13, 1553
- Nationality: French
- Education: No formal education details provided
- Known for: Ending the French Wars of Religion, issuing the Edict of Nantes, and promoting economic reforms
- Employer(s): Kingdom of France, Kingdom of Navarre
- Field(s): Politics, Military, Monarchy

## Contributions
Henry IV of France made several significant contributions during his reign:
- **Edict of Nantes (1598)**: Issued this landmark decree granting substantial rights to French Protestants (Huguenots), effectively ending the French Wars of Religion.
- **Economic Reforms**: Promoted economic recovery through infrastructure projects, including road construction and bridge building, and encouraged industry and agriculture.
- **Military Leadership**: Led forces in key battles such as the Battle of Ivry (1590), where he secured a decisive victory against the Catholic League.
- **Urban Development**: Initiated major urban planning projects in Paris, including the construction of the Pont Neuf, the first bridge in Paris to span the Seine.
- **Founding of Orders**: Established the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem in 1608, an honorary French chivalric order.

## FAQs
**Who was Henry IV of France?**  
Henry IV was the King of Navarre from 1572 and King of France from 1589 to 1610. He is remembered for his efforts to end religious conflict in France and his progressive domestic policies.

**What were Henry IV's major achievements?**  
His most notable achievement was the Edict of Nantes in 1598, which granted religious tolerance to Protestants. He also revitalized the French economy and improved infrastructure.

**What happened to Henry IV?**  
Henry IV was assassinated on May 14, 1610, by François Ravaillac, a Catholic fanatic who opposed the king's policies toward Protestants.

**Where did Henry IV rule?**  
He ruled the Kingdom of Navarre from 1572 and became King of France in 1589, governing both territories until his death in 1610.

**What orders or institutions are associated with Henry IV?**  
He founded the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem in 1608. Several institutions and landmarks are named after him, including Lycée Henri-IV and the square du Vert-Galant in Paris.

## Why They Matter
Henry IV of France played a pivotal role in ending the French Wars of Religion, which had devastated the country for decades. His pragmatic approach to governance, particularly the Edict of Nantes, helped stabilize France and fostered a period of peace and economic growth. His reign marked a turning point in French history, setting the stage for the absolute monarchy that followed under Louis XIII and Louis XIV.

## Notable For
- First Bourbon king of France
- Issuance of the Edict of Nantes (1598)
- Victory at the Battle of Ivry (1590)
- Founder of the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem (1608)
- Assassination by François Ravaillac in 1610
- Construction of the Pont Neuf in Paris
- Recognition with the Golden Rose, the Order of the Holy Spirit, and the Order of Saint Michael
- Linked to cultural references such as the Marche Henri IV, a French popular song
- Namesakes include Lycée Henri-IV, quai Henri-IV, and square du Vert-Galant in Paris
- Depicted in the 2010 film *Henri 4* by Jo Baier

## Body

### Early Life and Accession
Henry IV was born on December 13, 1553, into the House of Bourbon as the King of Navarre, a title he held from 1572. His early life was shaped by the religious and political turmoil of the French Wars of Religion, during which he initially led Protestant forces. In 1589, following the death of Henry III, he became the legitimate heir to the French throne, though his Protestant faith initially prevented widespread acceptance.

### Conversion and Consolidation of Power
In 1593, Henry IV converted to Catholicism, famously stating, "Paris is well worth a Mass." This strategic conversion allowed him to gain the support of the Catholic League and the broader French populace. He was formally recognized as King of France in 1589 and began consolidating royal authority through military and diplomatic means.

### Military Campaigns and Political Reforms
Henry IV led several successful military campaigns, most notably the Battle of Ivry in 1590, where he defeated the Catholic League. His leadership helped end the Wars of Religion, culminating in the Peace of Vervins in 1598. That same year, he issued the Edict of Nantes, which granted Huguenots significant religious freedoms and civil rights, marking a major step toward national reconciliation.

### Domestic Policies and Infrastructure
Henry IV focused on rebuilding France’s economy and infrastructure. He initiated public works projects, including the construction of the Pont Neuf, the first bridge to span the Seine in Paris. He also promoted agriculture, industry, and trade, contributing to a period of economic recovery and growth.

### Chivalric Orders and Cultural Legacy
In 1608, Henry IV established the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem, an honorary French chivalric order. His legacy includes numerous cultural references, such as the Marche Henri IV, a popular French song, and institutions like Lycée Henri-IV and square du Vert-Galant in Paris.

### Assassination and Aftermath
Henry IV was assassinated on May 14, 1610, by François Ravaillac, a Catholic zealot who opposed the king’s pro-Protestant policies. His death marked the end of a transformative era in French history, but his policies laid the groundwork for the reign of his son, Louis XIII, and the later absolutism of the Bourbon monarchy.

### Awards and Recognitions
Henry IV received several honors during his lifetime, including the Golden Rose, the Order of the Holy Spirit, and the Order of Saint Michael. These awards recognized his leadership and contributions to the French state and the Catholic Church.

### Legacy and Historical Impact
Henry IV is remembered as a unifying figure who brought peace to a fractured France. His pragmatic governance, particularly the Edict of Nantes, influenced religious tolerance in Europe. His reign is often seen as a precursor to the centralized monarchy of the 17th century, shaping the political and cultural trajectory of France for generations.

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