Aim: Why was there religious conflict in the Netherlands during the 1500s? Basic Characteristics in the 1500s – Seventeen Provinces (today would be Belgium and the Netherlands) – Cities made their living through trade and industry – Part of Charles V’s Hapsburg empire. Very loyal to Charles because he is Flemish, lets them make their own laws and collect their own taxes.

Calvinism spreads in the Netherlands Many urban centers Society dominated by the middle class Poor urban workers convert as well Reformation kept in check by the widespread loyalty to Charles V. Charles does not go out of his way to persecute Calvinists in the Netherlands.

Turning Point Charles V abdicates in His brother Ferdinand receives the eastern lands (Austria, HRE), while his son Philip II receives Spain, parts of Italy, the New World, and the Netherlands. People of the Netherlands have no loyalty to Philip. In the 1560s, Calvinism becomes the majority religion of the Netherlands. Again, why is this sure to lead to violent conflict?

Philip’s response to the Netherlands Policy of harsh repression to crush Calvinist revolts, wipe out Protestantism in the Netherlands. Sends his half sister Margaret of Parma to be regent: – Introduces the Inquisition. Will this be effective? – Raises taxes. Why? When Margaret fails, he sends the Duke of Alva and 20,000 troops. – Council of Blood ( ) – 10 percent sales tax on any transaction.

Outbreak of War : The seventeen provinces unite under Prince William of Orange against Philip II and Spain. 1578: Philip sends in his nephew Alexander Farnese to crush the revolt Farnese conquers the ten provinces of the south. Seven northern provinces form the Union of Utrecht. 1581: The northern provinces declare their independence from Spain and the Hapsburgs, become the United Provinces of the Netherlands.

United Provinces ask fellow Protestant Elizabeth I for financial help Why Elizabeth should help – Economic reasons: England sells wool to the Netherlands – Political reasons: If Philip II gets control of the Netherlands, Spain becomes more powerful. It will also be easier for him to invade England, kill Elizabeth, put Mary, Queen of Scots on the throne. Why Elizabeth should not help – By giving money to the Dutch rebels, Elizabeth will antagonize Spain. They might try to invade her immediately. – England has limited funds and resources. – Elizabeth has religious issues of her own (Elizabethan Settlement). If you were Elizabeth, what would you do?

Elizabeth decides to help the Dutch Provides 250,000 pounds and 2,000 troops to help the United Provinces. Philip sends the Spanish Armada against Elizabeth in 1588 (big failure for Spain). With financial support from England, the United Provinces can’t be conquered. Philip III of Spain reaches a truce, recognizes the independence of the United Provinces in Result: England and the Northern Netherlands remain Protestant