History of the United Netherlands from the Death of William the Silent to the Twelve Year's Truce, 1585c

"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 during the late 19th century. This comprehensive work examines the tumultuous period in the Netherlands following the assassination of William the Silent, detailing the struggle for independence against Spanish rule leading up to the Twelve Years' Truce. The book focuses on the political and military dynamics of the time, illuminating the various key figures and events that shaped the course of Dutch history. Motley’s narrative unfolds through a series of intricate battles, strategic decisions, and personal accounts, emphasizing the interplay of power, ambition, and desperation in the fight for freedom. Key events such as the Siege of Antwerp and the efforts of military leaders like Alexander Farnese and the patriotic leaders from the United Provinces are vividly depicted. The reader encounters the fierce resistance of Dutch patriots, the internal strife among them, and the overarching influence of foreign powers. Ultimately, the gruesome battles showcase both the valor and the tragic losses incurred by those striving for independence while underscoring the historical significance of this struggle in the broader context of European history. (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.