2B.2: The Dutch Revolt, c1563–1609

Recommended textbooks for this unit, available from Amazon:

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Official Edexcel Textbook

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1 Origins of the Dutch Revolt,  c1563–67

The Habsburg Netherlands: the 17 provinces; the extent of local autonomy; the traditional rights of the Dutch grandees.

The situation c1563: Philip II’s policy towards the Netherlands and the lack of regard for established traditions; the regency of Margaret of Parma; the influence of Granvelle.

Opposition of the Dutch grandees: the alliance of Orange, Hoorn and Egmont; resistance to the reform of the bishoprics; the removal of Granvelle; Margaret and the heresy laws; the Confederacy of Noblemen; the Compromise of 1566; the ‘Beggars’.

The impact of Calvinism: the Huguenot migration from France; hedge preaching; the revolt (Iconoclastic Fury) of 1566; the restoration of order; the effects of Calvinism on the Netherlands.

2 Alva and Orange,  1567–73

Alva’s rule: the replacement of Margaret of Parma; the execution of Egmont and Hoorn; the Council of Troubles and the attacks on heresy; reasons for the introduction of the Tenth Penny tax; growing opposition to the tax.

Orange’s failure: his power and influence in the northern provinces; the invasions of 1568; the rebels’ victory at Heiligerlee; disintegration of rebel forces and Alva’s triumph.

The role of the Sea Beggars: Louis of Nassau and the privateers; the closing of English ports to the Sea Beggars by Elizabeth I of England 1572; the seizure of Brill and Flushing; development of a general revolt in the province of Holland.

Orange’s triumph: the invasion of 1572; establishing control over Holland and Zeeland; Alva’s failure to reconquer the northern provinces.

3 Spain  and the reconquest, 1573–84

The failure of Requesens, 1573–76: his inability to defeat the northern provinces or to pay his troops; mutinies within the Spanish forces; the Spanish Fury of 1576; the Pacification of Ghent 1576; the advance of Calvinism in the southern provinces.

Reasons for the success of Parma, 1577–84: re-establishing Spanish rule in the south; the Union of Arras 1579 and its religious and political significance; Parma’s diplomacy, military tactics and strategy; the fall of Antwerp 1584.

Foreign intervention in the Netherlands: Orange’s decision to seek foreign help; the invitation to the Duke of Anjou 1578; the Duke’s unpopularity and his withdrawal in 1583.

The growing independence of the northern provinces: the Union of Utrecht 1579; the Act of Abjuration 1581 and the establishing of the Republic of the United Provinces; the declining influence of Orange; his assassination in 1584.

4 Securing the independence of the United Provinces, 1584–1609

Maurice of Nassau: his military reforms and changes in strategy and tactics; siege warfare against fortresses and border towns; the victories at Turnhout 1597 and Nieuwpoort 1600; Maurice as Stadtholder.

Reasons for Spanish failures: support for the United Provinces by Elizabeth I of England; the Treaty of Nonsuch 1585; the diversion of Parma’s troops to support the Spanish Armada 1588; intervention in France 1589.

The growing power of the United Provinces: Oldenbarnevelt’s reforms; the Dutch East India Company and the development of overseas trade; the growing divergence of north and south; Oldenbarnevelt’s success in curbing Calvinist excesses.

The declining power of Spain in the Netherlands: Spain’s inability to pay its troops; the armistice of 1607; the Truce of Antwerp 1609; Spain’s de facto recognition of the independence of the United Provinces.