History of the United Netherlands, 1595-96

"History of the United Netherlands, 1595-96" by John Lothrop Motley is a historical account written during the mid-19th century. This work focuses on the tumultuous period of the late 16th century, detailing key events in the struggle of the Netherlands for independence from Spanish rule. The narrative captures a pivotal era, marked by prominent figures such as Philip William, the Prince of Orange, and the political maneuvers surrounding the Spanish crown's attempts to reassert dominance. The opening of the text introduces the appointment of Archduke Cardinal Albert as governor of the Netherlands and the return of Philip William from captivity. The narrative sets the stage for the drama of political intrigue, military confrontations, and alliances during a time of conflict between Spain, France, and England. The author paints a picture of Philip William's complex emotional state—freed from his long imprisonment but caught between his loyalty to Spain and the aspirations of the Dutch Republic. In this context, the book reveals early tensions as both Dutch and English forces confront Spanish ships, emphasizing the stakes of freedom against royal despotism and the proto-national sentiment brewing among the provinces. (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.