The Dutch Revolt By Martin Van Gelderen: Analysis

In the book The Dutch Revolt, edited by Martin Van Gelderen, five texts written during the Dutch revolt provide insight into the ideals and events that led to the revolution against King Philip II of Spain. With five texts, written between fifteen seventy and fifteen eighty-seven, the evolution of the thoughts and beliefs of the Dutch people from the early stages of the Dutch revolt into the middle years of the revolution can be analyzed. This precis will analyze the main points that united the Dutch people against the rule of King Phillip II of Spain. While there are a vast number of reasons for the Dutch people to revolt, there were three main issues that united the Dutch against the Spanish. The first issue that rallied the Dutch was the
This is a stark contrast to the Dutch provinces with the seven northern provinces being Reformed Protestant and the southern provinces being catholic. While the Dutch were initially allowed to practise their religion freely, the intervention of the Spanish Inquisition in many parts of Belgium and Holland began to oppress privileges that had been given to the Protestant people of the north. While the involvement of the inquisition was seen as a catalyst, it was the edicts from King Phillip II that called for the oppression of the Protestant provinces that were forced to conform to Roman Catholic beliefs . As a result of the oppression the Dutch Protestants united in fifteen sixty six, arming themselves and taking control of several cities and communities in Holland. However after many defeats, the rebellion was quelled in May of fifteen sixty seven, leading to a lingering hatred towards the oppressive ways of the Spanish. With the continued efforts to have all Dutch provinces return to Roman Catholic beliefs, Dutch Protestants were pushed towards the ideals of open revolt to preserve their religion and ways of