What No One Told You About the Dutch Revolt: The War That Lasted 80 Years and Ruined Spain
The history of the Netherlands is a saga of greatness and decay, filled with political intrigue and fervent struggles for freedom. The revolt that erupted in 1568 would escalate into an eighty-year war, a conflict that not only changed the course of the region but also brought the House of Habsburg to the brink of ruin. What palace secrets and betrayals lay hidden behind this prolonged struggle? Delve into the dark corners of history and discover what really happened.
The Rise of Discontent in the Netherlands
By the mid-16th century, the Netherlands, under the rule of the House of Habsburg, were one of the most prosperous regions in Europe. However, fiscal oppression and the imposition of Catholicism by King Philip II of Spain ignited the flame of discontent. The execution of Protestant leaders such as Egmont and Hohenlohe in 1568, according to contemporary chroniclers, became the catalyst that sparked a revolution.
The climate of discontent intensified with the arrival of the Duke of Alba in 1567, known for his iron fist. As Spanish troops killed and pillaged, the inhabitants of Holland rallied around a common cause: religious freedom and a rejection of Spanish rule. This resistance was documented in letters from the rebels themselves, who described their struggle in heroic terms.
The Eighty Years' War: Battles and Alliances
The war that erupted in 1568 turned into a series of confrontations that lasted until 1648. Battles such as Heiligerlee (1568), where the troops of William of Orange achieved their first significant victory, marked a turning point. It was the struggle of a small group cont...