The Edict of Nantes, which granted religious freedom to Protestants in France, was revoked in 1685. This revocation occurred under the reign of King Louis XIV, who sought to enforce Catholic orthodoxy and unify France under a single religion. The annulment of the Edict led to increased persecution of Huguenots (French Protestants) and compelled many to flee the country to seek refuge in more tolerant nations. The revocation had significant social and economic repercussions, weakening France and contributing to a long history of religious conflict and strife in the region.