Who were the Huguenots?

The Huguenots were French Protestants who followed the teachings of John Calvin, a significant figure in the Reformation who emphasized predestination and the authority of scripture over church tradition. They emerged notably in the 16th century during a period of religious turmoil in France, which was characterized by conflicts between Catholics and Protestants.

This option captures the essence of the Huguenots, as they sought to reform the Catholic Church's practices and beliefs based on Calvinist doctrine. Their presence in France led to a series of violent conflicts known as the French Wars of Religion, exemplifying the challenges faced by Protestant groups in predominantly Catholic regions at the time.

The other options refer to groups or individuals that do not accurately describe the Huguenots. Italian merchants supporting Catholicism, a group of religious scholars in England, and Spanish Catholics opposing the Reformation pertain to different contexts and historical figures that were not directly involved with the Huguenots or their significance in French history.