Two CNRS researchers from the Ecole pratique des hautes études (EPHE) recently published "Une haine oubliée" (A Hatred Forgotten), the first book in a new series on the science of religion, a collection designed for non-specialists. This historical-sociological study by Jean Baubérot and Valentine Zuber examines antiProtestantism before the establishment of the French "pacte laïque" in 1905, by discussing historical, political, and religious events from 1870 to 1905, and, in particular, animosity towards Protestants.
This book is especially topical in the current context of growing intolerance, extremism, and hatred targeted at specific groups. The authors compare the antiProtestant sentiment of one century ago with doctrines of hatred and various forms of intolerance in contemporary society.
The authors approach their subject from two angles. First, they discuss the antiProtestant movement as such, showing how the advocates of antiProtestantism claimed that there was a "Protestant conspiracy" being led from within France by foreigners. They examine attempted revisionism by antiProtestants, the reaction from Protestants, and a broader discussion of the condition of minorities in France as a yardstick by which to measure the degree of democracy in French society.
Second, the authors provide a comparative analysis of antiProtestantism, antiSemitism, and anticlericalism, showing the specific features of each as well as the elements they have in common. AntiSemitism takes two forms: religious and economic, and is intensely racist, more so than antiProtestantism. Anticlericalism (opposed to clericalism) developed in particular during battles between congregations; however, in 1905, the separation between Church and State constituted a "lay pact" which mitigated this sentiment. Strangely, the weaker the group that is persecuted, the stronger the hatred directed against it; in this respect, antiProtestantism falls between anticlericalism and antiSemitism.
The final chapter is devoted to understanding this social phenomenon as a means to combat it. In an attempt to find a solution to intolerance and doctrines of hatred, it advocates democratic ideals as a way to free individuals of the fears that lead to hatred and prejudice.

Reference:
Une haine oubliée. L'antiProtestantisme avant le " pacte laïque " (1870-1905). Jean Baubérot and Valentine Zuber. Publisher: Albin Michel, February 2000 (Sciences des religions), 336 pages - FRF 140.