The Rise of the Dutch Republic — Complete (1555-66)

"The Rise of the Dutch Republic — Complete (1555-66)" by John Lothrop Motley is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book examines the formation and rise of the Dutch Republic during a critical period in European history, particularly focusing on the years leading to the establishment of its independence. The narrative explores themes of liberty, conflict, and the socio-political dynamics in the struggle against foreign tyranny, offering insight into the emergence of a powerful state from a historically subjugated territory. At the start of this extensive work, Motley introduces the geographical and historical context of the Netherlands, outlining its transformation from a fragmented region dominated by foreign powers to a burgeoning center of commerce and governance. The opening sections address the early inhabitants, their battles against Roman forces, and the socio-political changes wrought by centuries of feudalism. The text emphasizes the dichotomy between the oppressive rule of monarchs and the burgeoning spirit of liberty that would later characterize the Dutch struggle for independence. These themes set the stage for the Republic's eventual emergence and the narrative of resistance and resilience that Motley intends to unfold throughout the volumes. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Lothrop Motley was an American author and diplomat. As a popular historian, he is best known for his works on the Netherlands, the three volume work The Rise of the Dutch Republic and four volume History of the United Netherlands. As United States Minister to Austria in the service of the Abraham Lincoln administration, Motley helped to prevent European intervention on the side of the Confederates in the American Civil War. He later served as Minister to the United Kingdom during the Ulysses S. Grant administration.