 After Louis XIV revoked the Edit de Nantes in 1685, Protestants who did not leave the country were generally suppressed.Thousands of Protestant Huguenots emigrated from France for their safety and to gain religious freedom, generally going to Protestant nations such as the Netherlands, England, South Africa, and the North American colonies.Their exile continued during the 17th century and until 1787, when religious freedom was re-established by Louis XVI.