History of the United Netherlands, 1595

"History of the United Netherlands, 1595" by John Lothrop Motley is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book explores the conflicts between the United Netherlands and Spain, specifically highlighting significant events from the death of William the Silent to the Twelve Years' Truce. Motley's work provides a detailed narrative of military, political, and social dynamics during this tumultuous period in Dutch history. The book presents a vivid portrayal of the various campaigns and battles that defined the struggle for Dutch independence, including key military figures such as Count Fuentes, Prince Maurice of Nassau, and Admiral Villars. It describes a series of dramatic events, including the formal declaration of war by France against Spain, significant sieges, and unexpected defeats. Through richly detailed accounts, Motley illustrates the interplay of personal ambitions, political loyalties, and the brutal realities of warfare, as the leading European powers clash over control of the Netherlands, ultimately painting a complex picture of a nation striving for liberty amidst overwhelming challenges. (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.