Timeline December 1588

Events in December 1588 3

• 1549 – 1588 Henry I, Duke of Guise (1549-1588) Died 23 December 1588, aged 39 Known as "Le Balafre" for a scar from battle, Henry I of Guise led the ultra-Catholic League during the French Wars of Religion and was the chief rival to King Henry III for control of France. His growing popularity in Paris alarmed the king, who had him assassinated at the chateau of Blois. His death triggered open revolt against the crown.
• 1555 – 1588 Louis II, Cardinal de Guise (1555-1588) Died 24 December 1588, aged 33 Louis II of Guise was a cardinal and younger brother of Henry I, Duke of Guise, prominent in the Catholic League's leadership during the French Wars of Religion. He was killed on the orders of King Henry III at Blois, a day after his brother's assassination. His death removed another key leader of the League at a critical moment in the conflict.
• 1588 Assassination of the Duke of Guise Henry III has his rival killed at the Estates-General of Blois Fearing the growing power of the Catholic League, King Henry III ordered the killing of Henry I, Duke of Guise, at the royal chateau of Blois. His brother, Cardinal Louis II of Guise, was executed the next day. The killings enraged the Catholic League and plunged France deeper into civil war, with Paris itself rising against the king.