Revocation

Revocation or repeal of the Edict of Nantes (1598) by the Edict of Fontainebleau (1685). The latter requires that pastors convert themselves to Roman Catholicism or leave the country within two weeks. Believers are tolerated in theory, but in most cases persecuted till they abjure. The Revocation results in a wide emigration movement. Within the kingdom, the period of the Desert begins, i.e. the secret or underground organisation of reformed communities.