History of the United Netherlands from the Death of William the Silent to the Twelve Year's Truce, 1603-04

"History of the United Netherlands from the Death of William the Silent to the Twelve Year's Truce" by John Lothrop Motley is a historical account likely written during the late 19th century. The book covers the complex political and military landscape of the Netherlands during a critical time of struggle for independence from Spanish rule, particularly focusing on the events following the death of key figures like William the Silent. The beginning of the text sets the scene after the death of Queen Elizabeth I of England and explores the consequent shifts in political alliances and power dynamics in Europe. It illustrates the anxiety felt by various European powers regarding the new monarch James I of England and highlights the continued conflict between the Dutch republic and Spain. Key characters emerge, such as James I, Barneveld, and the Spanish ambassador Tassis, weaving together a narrative laden with political intrigue, diplomatic maneuvering, and the precarious fate of the Dutch cause amidst a backdrop of evolving international relations. (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.