jjares reviewed The Dutch Revolt: The History of the Dutch Republic?s War of Independence against Spain on + 3275 more book reviews
This story is about how the Dutch wrested their independence from the Spanish Habsburgs. We know that after becoming independent, the Dutch went on to create a global maritime and trading empire. In other words, they became an imperialistic empire, with colonies and holdings worldwide. However, the Dutch have been industrious and have reclaimed much land by building dikes and pumping water. It is part of the Dutch identity.
Thousands were killed on both sides as the Dutch fought their overlords from 1568 until 1648. It took more than 80 years. People's passions rose with the emergence of rival Protestant creeds and demands by King Phillip of Spain to retain Catholicism as the state religion. Phillip was unwilling to accept other religions. He also expected the Netherlands to resupply his coffers when he overspent on his endless wars. So, high taxation and religious persecution were driving forces for war with Spain. After the Dutch won independence, Calvinism was renamed the Dutch Reformed Church and instituted as the state religion.
I was disappointed by the lack of clarity in the text. I wound up going to other resources to find out what happened. The artwork was superb, but a map or two would have helped keep up with the constant battles.
Thousands were killed on both sides as the Dutch fought their overlords from 1568 until 1648. It took more than 80 years. People's passions rose with the emergence of rival Protestant creeds and demands by King Phillip of Spain to retain Catholicism as the state religion. Phillip was unwilling to accept other religions. He also expected the Netherlands to resupply his coffers when he overspent on his endless wars. So, high taxation and religious persecution were driving forces for war with Spain. After the Dutch won independence, Calvinism was renamed the Dutch Reformed Church and instituted as the state religion.
I was disappointed by the lack of clarity in the text. I wound up going to other resources to find out what happened. The artwork was superb, but a map or two would have helped keep up with the constant battles.
