Dutch Revolt
1568-1648
Summary
The revolt, also known as the Eighty Years War, was against the Spanish rule in the Netherlands, beginning when Spain beheaded Counts Egmont and Horne in Brussels. The revolt in total was a result of a build up of small uprisings and battles that constitute to the war. A truce was called in 1609, known as the Twelve Years' Truce, but the war did not end between the two powers until the Peace of Munster, a part of the Peace of Westphalia, in 1648.
What Really Was It?
Cause
The Dutch Revolt began when a part of the Hapsburg family revolted against what they thought as the unjust rule of King Philip ii of Spain. Spain was bankrupt and very weak; therefore, it had little capability of reacting properly to the revolt. With the Dutch desiring a ruler that reflected their views -- Calvinism -- and the reforms they desired, began some small rebellions. They no longer desired the governess that Spain had given to them and revolted until she was removed -- despite not being victorious. However, she was replaced with the harsher Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, who killed about 3,000 rebels.
Course (view link below)
Key Figures
William of Orange
Known as William the Silent, he was a wealthy land owner. He refused to side with anyone in the Spanish empire and eventually became the leader of the Dutch Revolt. This made him very untrustworthy among anyone since he was neither a rebel nor a monarch. He turned the revolt into a full out war
King Philip ii
Philip ii was king of Spain during the revolt.
Count of Egmont
Was a member of King Philip ii's council along with William of Orange. He sparked the revolt and desired to keep the inquisition out of Flanders (The Spanish Netherlands).
Outcome
While the war should have ended with the death of Philip ii, his heir thought the time good to implement a general into the land to force the Dutch to heel. Philip iii had difficulty refusing to recognize the land as independent. The southern portion was given a form of self government under Albert of Austria and was forced to comply to Spain's wishes. However, in the North they were unable to be self-sufficient like the South due to the intolerance of Catholicism. In 1606, Albert did recognize the North as independent called the Independent Provinces. Secondly, in 1609, a 12 years truce was instated between the North and the South. It did however, end at the beginning of the Thirty Years War. Therefore, the war did not truly cease until the Peace at Munster at the end of the Thirty Years War.
Main Significance
The most important feature about this conflict was that the Netherlands were now recognized as independent. While the North remained protestant, the South did become catholic due to the rule of Albert of Austria.
Primary Source : The Calvinists Openly Challenge the Authorities
The above link leads to a letter on the Calvinists in Flanders challenging the Catholic authorities. Specifically, it is intended for Margaret of Parma from a member of the inquisition. This individual is informing her of the incident and letting her know that it was under control. Moreover, he states that he wishes she remains in power over the area for a long time.