King Henry IV of France signed the Edict of Nantes in 1598, granting significant religious freedom to the Huguenots, French Protestants who faced severe persecution in a predominantly Catholic nation. This decree aimed to restore peace and stability in France following decades of religious conflict known as the Wars of Religion. The Edict allowed Huguenots to practice their faith openly, establish places of worship, and hold political office. It was an important step towards religious tolerance in Europe, although it was eventually revoked in 1685 by Louis XIV, leading to renewed persecution and emigration of Huguenots.