As the name suggests, this region of Europe (which today is formed of the states of the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg) was a possession of the Habsburg King of Spain. Nevertheless, the people of the seven northern provinces (the modern Netherlands), who were solidly Calvinist, were in open rebellion against their Spanish Catholic master in what was really a war of independence. The southern provinces (modern Belgium and Luxembourg) did not go to war. Though they were largely Catholic, the people of these provinces were also close to revolt. It was only the tolerance, intelligence and diplomatic skill of the Duke of Parma and, above all, his refusal to use military force against the people which kept them loyal. Meanwhile, the northern provinces, with help from England, were on the point of achieving their independence under the leadership of members of the House of Orange (still national heroes today). Although Spain refused officially to recognise Dutch independence until 1649, it had already been achieved. Very soon this newly independent state was to become not only one of Europe's great cultural centres, but also a haven of religious tolerance (especially for Jews) in a Europe where thousands of people still suffered and died because of their religious beliefs. The United Provinces, as it was called, would soon demonstrate that it was not only a great centre of trade but also a maritime power to rival both England and France.

©  Shirley Burchill, Nigel Hughes, Richard Gale and Keith Woodall 2007