Catholic Activism in South-West France, 1540–1570

Examining Catholic activism in the south-west of France during the middle decades of the sixteenth century, this book argues-contrary to prevailing views-that the phenomenon was both widespread and militant even before the formation of the Catholic League in 1576. By comparing and contrasting the successes and failures of activists in three key Catholic strongholds - Bordeaux, Toulouse and Agen - it is possible to come to a much fuller understanding of the means, methods and social make-up of organizations that attempted to rouse Catholic sentiment against the growing influence and power of the Huguenots.