How did the religious wars and conflicts affect Spain and France?

The religious wars and conflicts in the 16th and 17th centuries significantly impacted Spain and France, leading to political instability and social upheaval. In France, the Wars of Religion between Catholics and Huguenots culminated in the Edict of Nantes (1598), which aimed to promote religious tolerance but highlighted deep national divisions. In Spain, the intense Catholic orthodoxy and the Inquisition stifled dissent and marginalized non-Catholic populations, ultimately contributing to economic decline and social unrest. Both nations experienced a struggle for power between religious and political authorities, shaping their histories and influencing future governance.