ABSTRACT

William the Silent and the Dutch Revolt examines the first stages of the Dutch struggle against Spanish rule during the late fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The book analyses the causes of growing discontent in the Netherlands and the various stages of the revolt, focusing on the key tipping points where discontent and violent upheaval escalated to become a national struggle for independence. The book also provides comparative analyses of insurgencies in the modern era and examines how popular discontent throughout history has often developed into struggles for full independence. The book is a key resource for scholars and students of early modern European history, as well as those interested in the history of revolts.

chapter |2 pages

Introduction

part I|13 pages

The Netherlands and the Empire

chapter 1|11 pages

Charles V and Philip II

part II|98 pages

William the Silent and the Revolt

chapter 2|12 pages

Violent disturbances escalate to Revolt

chapter 3|13 pages

Alva

chapter 5|27 pages

Spanish Fury, unions and divisions

chapter 7|11 pages

“Ayez pitie de ce pauvre peuple”

chapter 8|13 pages

Aftermath

part III|55 pages

Other Revolts and Insurgencies

part IV|18 pages

William the Silent and the forging of a nation

chapter 10|7 pages

Revolt becomes a national insurgency