ABSTRACT
Until 1568, the northern Netherlands had belonged to the Habsburg Empire. A combination of economic crisis, a power struggle between the Dutch gentry and the Spanish king over his policy and taxes, and religious differences led to the revolt of several provinces in the north against the Spanish Crown. This revolt resulted in a war of independence that would last for 80 years, until the Peace of Westphalia was signed in 1648. In 1588, seven provinces proclaimed the Dutch Republic of United Provinces (hereafter 'the Republic'). 1 The Republic was governed by the Estates General, in which all provinces were represented.
