ABSTRACT
In the aftermath of Maurits’s successful campaign, the States-General resolved to invade Flanders. Maurits and William Lodewijk were against this. The States-General, led by Oldenbarneveldt, insisted and anticipated that the population of Flanders would join the Dutch against the Spanish. The Dutch Army invaded, but there was no support from the local population. The Archduke Albert and Isabella deployed Spanish troops and engaged the invaders. The Dutch forces were hemmed into a difficult position outside Nieuwport. However, the Dutch Army reforms inaugurated by Maurits and William Lodewijk paid off, and the Dutch won the battle. It was a limited victory, and the invasion was abandoned. The failed invasion confirmed the Dutch political opinion that the Low Counties split between the provinces of the Union of Arras and the Dutch provinces of the Union of Utrecht was permanent. Also, there were now significant and intense issues between Maurits and Oldenbarneveldt. During the period 1601–1606, the Spanish and Dutch both manoeuvred and countered each other. The new Spanish commander Spinola was an able leader and strategist, cooperating well with Archduke Albert. Increasing stalemate and financial strain were affecting both sides, and both looked tentatively towards a ceasefire.
