16th Century: France Vs. The Netherlands

During the 16th century, Europe was in transition from the stagnation stemming from the Black Plague and moving into one of the most expansive times in European history across the board, politically, economically, and with the population of its peoples. As countries expanded, prices rose, and population skyrocketed many European countries struggled to maintain power over the governed, consequently, allying with the churches via confessional division. France and The Netherlands were two major European countries to lead the way with the notion of a coalition between church and state but experienced dissimilar outcomes.

France, having the largest population of any European country during the 1500s, became greatly reliant on doctrines from the church. But being such a large country meant there was little religious unification of its people. The signing of the Peace of Augusburg in 1555 helped suppress repercussions pertaining from the Protestant Reformation; stating that one nation shall only have, respectively, one ruler, religion, and law. While beneficial for non-mingled states, the melting pot that which was France was torn due to the vast difference of religions; Catholic, Lutheran, Calvinists, ect. Within the decade of the Peace of Augusburg,
Consequently, this did not sit well with King Phillip II, ruler of Spain the most powerful 16th century country. Phillip II ordered an invasion of the Netherlands to extend the power of the Catholic Church even though southern, poorer Netherlands provinces were still loyal to Spain. This lead to a Protestant and Calvinist revolt throughout the region coining the term "Dutch Revolution". Conflict extended for nearly a century until the eventual independence of northern regions was claimed leading to one of the most tolerant countries in the