Henry IV of France was born on December 13, 1553, and became the first monarch of the Bourbon dynasty in France. He ruled from 1589 until his assassination in 1610. Henry was known for his efforts to unify France after the French Wars of Religion, which had caused significant division between Catholics and Protestants. Henry IV is famous for issuing the Edict of Nantes in 1598, which granted religious tolerance to the Huguenots, a group of French Protestants. His reign is often remembered for promoting economic recovery and infrastructure improvements, helping to stabilize France during a tumultuous period.