Camisards

The Camisards were a group of Protestant Huguenots who rebelled against the French monarchy in the late 17th century. The name "Camisard" is derived from the French word "camisard," meaning a shirt or camisole, which was worn by the rebels as a symbol of their identity.

The Camisards emerged in the Cevennes region of southern France, where Protestantism had been a long-standing presence. However, the Edict of Nantes, which had granted toleration to Protestants, was revoked in 1685 by King Louis XIV, leading to widespread persecution. Many Protestants fled the region, but those who remained formed the core of the Camisard movement.

The Camisards were led by a varied group of leaders, including Cavalier, a charismatic miller who claimed to have prophetic visions. They employed guerrilla tactics, ambushing and massacring government troops to great effect. The Camisards were supported by the local population, who shared their desire for religious freedom.

The Camisard revolt lasted for several years, achieving occasional victories but ultimately being crushed by government forces. The most notable of these was Louis II de Bourbon, Prince de Condé, who led a campaign against the Camisards from 1702 to 1704. Many Camisards were captured, tortured, and executed, and the movement was largely eradicated.

The Camisard rebellion remains an important chapter in the larger narrative of French history, highlighting the tensions between the Catholic monarchy and the Protestant population of France. Despite being ultimately unsuccessful, the Camisards' defiance and bravery earned them a place in the annals of French history and continue to fascinate historians and scholars today.