1685 : date de mémoire

Abstract

The 18th October 1685 saw the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. This date represents a climax in the long history of the persecution of Huguenots in France. Between 150,000 and 200,000 left their home country to resettle in the countries of refuge. For the Huguenots who stayed behind in France, the year opened a new chapter in the history of their persecution. For both groups, 1685 was a traumatizing year. For those Huguenots who left France, 1685 was also the year of the rebirth of the Huguenot faith and culture, of a nation dispersed, of a global diaspora. For centuries up to the present day, 1685 is the year that links both groups of Huguenots, the diaspora and the descendants of those who stayed behind in France.

Keywords

• Huguenots
• Memory
• Diaspora
• Revocation of the Edict of Nantes
• Great Refuge