Dutch Revolt

The uprising of the Habsburg Netherlands against Spanish rule, beginning in 1568 and leading to the independence of the Dutch Republic.

Eighty Years' War: The conflict from 1568 to 1648 between Spain and the Dutch rebels, ending with Dutch independence. This broader war names the long military struggle that grew from the revolt.
William the Silent: The leading political and military figure of the Dutch revolt until his assassination in 1584. He united opposition to Spanish rule while trying to preserve the Netherlands' provinces.
Habsburg Netherlands: The collection of provinces in the Low Countries ruled by the Habsburg dynasty before their division into separate states. The revolt began within this composite territory, whose provinces had distinct rights and institutions.
Dutch Republic: The independent federation of northern provinces that emerged from the revolt and lasted until 1795. It was the political outcome of the northern provinces' successful resistance.
Union of Utrecht: A 1579 pact joining northern provinces in mutual defense against Spanish rule. It gave several rebel provinces a lasting framework for joint resistance.
Philip II of Spain: King of Spain from 1556 to 1598 and ruler of the Habsburg Netherlands until the revolt severed his authority. His efforts to enforce royal control and Catholic uniformity fueled resistance.
Dutch Reformation: The spread of Protestant movements in the Low Countries during the sixteenth century. Confessional change made royal enforcement of Catholic orthodoxy a central source of conflict.
Peace of Münster: The 1648 treaty in which Spain recognized the independence of the Dutch Republic. It formally ended the conflict and secured international recognition of independence.
Act of Abjuration: The 1581 declaration in which the States General rejected Philip II as ruler of the Netherlands. It made the rebels' break with their king an explicit political act.
Margaret of Parma: The Habsburg governor of the Netherlands from 1559 to 1567, appointed by Philip II. Her regency faced the early crisis over religious policy and noble opposition.

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