Revolt of the Netherlands
The Netherlands was very important to Philip because it was one of the richest parts of his empire. It was made up of 7 northern provinces who were mostly Germanic in culture, but spoke dutch. It also had 10 southern provinces that spoke French and Flemish which were relationally tied to France. It had a good economy because of commerce, specifically its textile industry. It was also in a spot that made it a mix of religious culture. It had been influenced by the new religions such as Lutheranism and Anabaptism, but it was also beginning to be a big supporter of Calvinism. Philip II was the only real bond that these provinces had politically. Philip II was determined to unite these provinces under his power, but they did not like that plan. They were also mad when they found out that all of their taxes were going to pay for Spanish things. Philip tried to eliminate Calvinism, and this began a uprising that started in 1566 when Calvinist nobles began to vandalize Catholic churches. After Philip heard of this, he sent 10,000 troops along with the duke of Alva to stop the rebellion in its tracks. Philip also began to enforce new policies, which ended up turning the merchants and commoners over to the Calvinist side. The Council of Troubles was created to execute many aristocrats. This further angered the Netherlands, so they began to organize an army. William of Nassau along with some Dutch pirates decided to begin a resistance force. Philip took notice of this and brought the duke of Alva home, and decided to create a more conciliatory policy.
The 17 provinces were united in 1576 by William of Orange, as a result of the Pacification of Ghent. It said that all provinces would ignore religious differences and unite under William and force the Spanish troops out. Religious differences proved to be too much, however, and the duke of Parma, sent by Philip II, was able to cause a split because of the religious differences. Therefore, the souther provinces became the Union of Arras, made up of Catholics, and they decided to give Philip II control of their lands. William of Orange decided to create the Union of Utrecht that included the 7 northern provinces to fight against the Spanish rule. Finally, in 1609, the northern provinces were basically recognized as independent, and they soon became the Dutch Republic, but they weren’t officially recognized by the Spanish government until 1648.
The 17 provinces were united in 1576 by William of Orange, as a result of the Pacification of Ghent. It said that all provinces would ignore religious differences and unite under William and force the Spanish troops out. Religious differences proved to be too much, however, and the duke of Parma, sent by Philip II, was able to cause a split because of the religious differences. Therefore, the souther provinces became the Union of Arras, made up of Catholics, and they decided to give Philip II control of their lands. William of Orange decided to create the Union of Utrecht that included the 7 northern provinces to fight against the Spanish rule. Finally, in 1609, the northern provinces were basically recognized as independent, and they soon became the Dutch Republic, but they weren’t officially recognized by the Spanish government until 1648.