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Huguenot Settlers
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Huguenot Settlers
Following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, some Huguenots emigrate to South Africa and settle there, building homesteads
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Media ID 4347908
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1690 Edict Emigrate Homesteads Huguenot Huguenots Nantes Revocation Settle Settlers
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the spirit of determination and resilience of the Huguenot settlers as they begin the arduous process of building new lives for themselves and their families in South Africa following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. The Edict of Nantes, issued by King Henry IV of France in 1598, granted religious tolerance to the Huguenots, a Protestant minority in predominantly Catholic France. However, in 1685, King Louis XIV, seeking to assert his authority and unify the country under Catholic rule, issued the revocation, leading to widespread persecution and the forced conversion or expulsion of Huguenots. In response, thousands of Huguenots, many of whom were skilled artisans, merchants, and farmers, began to seek refuge in other parts of Europe and beyond. Among them were a significant number who chose to emigrate to South Africa, where they were welcomed by the Dutch East India Company, which ruled the region at the time. This photograph, taken circa 1690, shows Huguenot settlers at work on their homesteads in South Africa. The men are shown constructing a simple but sturdy dwelling, while women and children look on. The scene is idyllic, with rolling hills and a clear blue sky in the background, but the reality was far from easy. The settlers faced numerous challenges, including unfamiliar climate and terrain, lack of resources, and the constant threat of attack from indigenous peoples and other European powers. Despite these challenges, the Huguenots persevered, establishing thriving communities and contributing significantly to the development of South Africa's economy and culture. This photograph is a poignant reminder of their courage and tenacity in the face of adversity, and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit to adapt and overcome.
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