Catherine de Medici Biography and Timeline

Regency Begins

Catherine de Medici becomes regent for the young Charles IX

Role range: 1560-1574

Moderation Policy

Catherine seeks a moderate religious settlement to prevent civil war

Role range: 1560-1574

Colloquy of Poissy Opens

Catherine opens talks seeking reconciliation between Catholics and Protestants

Role range: 1561-1561

Poissy Colloquy Attempts Reconciliation

Catherine de Medici supported the Colloquy of Poissy, where Catholic and Reformed theologians tried unsuccessfully to reach agreement.

Edict of Saint Germain

Catherine issues limited toleration for Protestant worship outside towns

Role range: 1560-1574

Massacre of Wassy

The massacre undermines Catherine's policy of religious compromise

Role range: 1562-1598 – 1560-1574

Rouen Retaken

Royal forces recover Rouen during the first war of religion

Role range: 1562-1598 – 1560-1574

Assassination of Francis de Guise

Catherine de Medici assumes control of the Catholic faction after the assassination of de Guise

Edict of Amboise

Catherine de Medici negotiates the Edict of Amboise after Guise's death

Role range: 1562-1598 – 1560-1563

Edict of Amboise

Catherine issues the Edict of Amboise to end the first war

Role range: 1562-1598 – 1560-1563

Siege of Le Havre

Catherine supports the campaign to recover Le Havre from the English

Role range: 1562-1598 – 1560-1563

Regency Ends Formally

Catherine's formal regency ends when Charles IX is declared of age

Role range: 1560-1563

Huguenots

Catherine de Medici grants limited toleration of the Huguenots by the Pacification of Amboise

Huguenots

The Pacification of Amboise ends the 1st War of Religion. Catherine de Medici grants limited toleration of the Huguenots by the Pacification of Amboise

Pacification of Amboise

The Pacification of Amboise ends the 1st War of Religion. Catherine de Medici grants limited toleration of the Huguenots by the Pacification of Amboise

Persecution

Catherine de Medici grants limited toleration of the Huguenots by the Pacification of Amboise

Amboise Settlement Limits Reformed Worship

The Peace of Amboise ended the first French War of Religion while placing restrictions on Protestant worship.

Treaty of Troyes

England & France make peace by the Treaty of Troyes

Catherine Encourages English Rapprochement

Catherine de Medici supported negotiations intended to improve relations between the French crown and Elizabeth I.