Revolt in the Netherlands

Ruled by Spain, conflict in the Netherlands grew when Charles V abdicated the throne to his son Philip II. Philip's new policy of centralization went against complex tradition in the Netherlands. The Dutch revolted in 1566. A Spanish army commanded by the Duke of Alba was sent to quell the rebellion. The brutality used by the Iron Duke repulsed both Catholic and Protestant. Calvinism became a creed of resistance, and was adopted by William of Orange, leader of the Dutch revolt. The house of Orange and the northern provinces began their struggle for independence as the Dutch Republic.