William the Silent and the Dutch Revolt examines the first stages of the Dutch struggle against Spanish rule during late fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. It is a key resource for scholars and students of early modern European history, as well as those interested in the history of revolts.

Nick Ridley is a Visiting Lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University. He formerly worked as an intelligence analyst at the UK Metropolitan Police and at Europol. He has taught international relations and anti-terrorist studies at several European universities, and lectured on anti-terrorist courses at the NATO Centre of Excellence-Defence against Terrorism.

William the Silent and the Dutch Revolt examines the first stages of the Dutch struggle against Spanish rule during the late fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The book analyses the causes of growing discontent in the Netherlands and the various stages of the revolt, focusing on the key tipping points where discontent and violent upheaval escalated to become a national struggle for independence. The book also provides comparative analyses of insurgencies in the modern era and examines how popular discontent throughout history has often developed into struggles for full independence. The book is a key resource for scholars and students of early modern European history, as well as those interested in the history of revolts.

Introduction

Part I. The Netherlands and the Empire

1. Charles V and Philip II

Part II. William the Silent and the Revolt

2. Violent Disturbances Escalate to Revolt

3. Alva

4. Diplomatic Glove Covers Military Fist - But Neither Have Finances

5. Spanish Fury, Unions and Divisions

6. Unscrupulous Audacity of Condottiere with the Wily Patience of a Jesuit

7. "Ayey pitie de de pauve peuple"

8. Aftermath

Part III. Other Revolts and Insurgencies

9. Late XX and XXI Century Insurgencies

10. Revolt Becomes a National Insurgency

11. William the Silent, Summary and Achievement