Eighty Years' War

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War of independence between the Netherlands and Spain (1568–1648)

Eighty Years' War

Relief of Leiden by the Sea Beggars in 1574

The Eighty Years' War (1568–1648), also known as the Dutch War of Independence, was a revolt of the Seventeen Provinces against the political and religious hegemony of Philip II of Spain, the sovereign of the Habsburg Netherlands. The war led to the establishment of the Dutch Republic, which was recognized as an independent state by the Peace of Münster in 1648.

Background

The conflict had its roots in the growing discontent in the Low Countries over heavy taxation, persecution of Protestants, and the centralization efforts of the Spanish crown. The Reformation had taken hold in the region, leading to a rise in Calvinism, which was met with harsh repression by the Spanish authorities.

Outbreak of War

The war began in 1568 when William the Silent, also known as William of Orange, led a failed invasion of the Netherlands. Despite this initial setback, the revolt gained momentum, particularly after the Sea Beggars captured the town of Brielle in 1572. This event is often considered the turning point in the Dutch struggle for independence.

Major Battles and Events

• Battle of Heiligerlee (1568): The first significant battle of the war, resulting in a victory for the Dutch rebels.
• Siege of Haarlem (1572–1573): A prolonged siege by Spanish forces that ended in the city's surrender.
• Relief of Leiden (1574): A crucial victory for the Dutch, where the Sea Beggars broke the Spanish siege.
• Union of Utrecht (1579): An alliance of northern provinces that declared independence from Spain.
• Spanish Armada (1588): Although primarily aimed at England, its defeat had significant implications for the war in the Netherlands.

Peace of Münster

The war concluded with the signing of the Peace of Münster in 1648, part of the larger Peace of Westphalia that ended the Thirty Years' War. The treaty recognized the independence of the Dutch Republic and marked the end of Spanish rule in the region.

Legacy

The Eighty Years' War had a profound impact on the history of the Netherlands and Europe. It led to the rise of the Dutch Republic as a major economic and maritime power. The war also contributed to the decline of Spanish dominance in Europe and the shift towards a more balanced power structure on the continent.

Related Pages

• William the Silent
• Philip II of Spain
• Dutch Republic
• Peace of Münster
• Reformation
• Seventeen Provinces
• Sea Beggars
• Union of Utrecht
• Thirty Years' War