The Edict of Fontainebleau (October 1685) was an edict issued by Louis XIV, of France. This legislation revoked the Edict of Nantes (1598) and ordered the destruction of Huguenot churches, as well as, the closing of Protestant schools. As a result, ~200,000 Protestants left France, seeking asylum in England, the United Provinces, and what is now Germany. (Spielvogel).
The "Revocation of the Edict of Nantes" has been criticized in a manner similar to criticism of the Nazi Holocaust and the Spanish Inquisition; in short, the revocation drained France of a great deal of skilled craftsmen, including key designers, such as Daniel Marot. Upon leaving France, Huguenots took with them knowledge of important techniques and styles -- which had a significant effect on the quality of the silk, plate glass, silversmithing (see: Huguenot silver), and cabinet-making industries of those regions to which they relocated.
See also: Fontainebleau
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