The French Huguenots were a group of Protestants in France during the 16th and 17th centuries who followed the teachings of John Calvin. They faced severe persecution from the predominantly Catholic population, leading to conflicts such as the French Wars of Religion. Many Huguenots sought refuge in other countries, including England, the Netherlands, and North America, where they contributed to the development of various communities. The Edict of Nantes in 1598 granted them some religious freedoms, but it was revoked in 1685, prompting further emigration and the decline of their presence in France.