History of the United Netherlands from the Death of William the Silent to the Twelve Year's Truce, 1608b

"History of the United Netherlands from the Death of William the Silent to the Twelve Year's Truce--1609" by John Lothrop Motley is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the complex political and social dynamics of the United Netherlands during a tumultuous period marked by struggles for independence from Spanish rule and various negotiations for peace. The narrative captures the interactions between key figures, including Prince Maurice and political leader Barneveld, in the context of the rising tensions between factions supporting war and those advocating for peace. In this detailed exploration, Motley chronicles the events that transpired from the death of William the Silent to the signing of the Twelve Years' Truce in 1609. The work presents the intense conflicts between warring factions within the Dutch republic, the intrigues from foreign powers, and the debates surrounding the direction of the republic's future—whether to continue the war for complete independence or to negotiate a truce that could compromise their autonomy. Key themes include the interplay of personal ambitions, religious intolerance, and the broader implications for Dutch national identity, encapsulated in the rhetoric and actions of notable leaders. Through historical documents and analyses, the author provides an in-depth understanding of the formative years of the United Netherlands, emphasizing the tension between the ideals of liberty and the realities of political machinations. (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.