The French Wars of Religion were a series of conflicts in France from 1562 to 1598, primarily between the Catholics and Huguenots (French Protestants). These wars were fueled by political power struggles and religious differences, leading to widespread violence and instability across the country. Key events included the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre in 1572, where thousands of Huguenots were killed. The wars ended with the Edict of Nantes in 1598, issued by King Henry IV, which granted religious tolerance to the Huguenots and aimed to restore peace. This edict marked a significant step towards coexistence between the two religious groups in France.