The St Bartholomew's Day Massacre occurred in 1572 and resulted in thousands of deaths. Which group was targeted?

• A. English Catholics
• B. Dutch Calvinists
• C. French Protestants (Huguenots)
• D. Italian merchants

Answer: (C)

Religious conflict in France during the Wars of Religion produced a moment when Catholic power aimed to eliminate its Protestant rivals. The St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre of 1572 targeted French Protestants, the Huguenots, amid a royal wedding in Paris. Leaders aligned with the Catholic cause orchestrated widespread killings that spread to many towns, resulting in thousands of deaths. This episode illustrates how intense sectarian tensions could turn violent and how minority Protestants in France faced severe danger during this era. The other groups—English Catholics, Dutch Calvinists, Italian merchants—were not the focus of this massacre, since it occurred in France and was directed at the domestic Huguenot community.