Chapter V From the Succession of Philip the Bold to the County of Flanders to the Death of Philip the Fair
A.D. 1384 — 1506
Philip succeeds to the Inheritance of Brabant—Makes War on England as a French Prince, Flanders remaining neuter—Power of the Houses of Burgundy and Bavaria, and Decline of Public Liberty—Union of Holland, Hainault, and Brabant—Jacqueline, Countess of Holland and Hainault—Flies from the Tyranny of her Husband, John of Brabant, and takes Refuge in England—Murder of John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy—Accession of his Son, Philip the Good—His Policy—Espouses the Cause of John of Brabant against Jacqueline—Deprives her of Hainault, Holland, and Zealand—Continues his Persecution, and despoils her of her last Possession and Titles—She marries a Gentleman of Zealand, and Dies—Peace or Arras—Dominions of the House of Burgundy equal to the present Extent of the Kingdom of the Netherlands—Rebellion of Ghent—Affairs of Holland and Zealand—Charles the Rash—His Conduct in Holland—Succeeds his Father—Effects of Philip’s Reign on the Manners of the People— Louis XI.—Death of Charles, and Succession of Mary—Factions among her Subjects—Marries Maximilian of Austria—Battle of Guinegate—Death of Mary—Maximilian unpopular—Imprisoned by his Subjects—Released—Invades the Netherlands—Succeeds to the Imperial Throne by the Death of his Father—Philip the Fair proclaimed Duke and Count—His wise Administration—Affairs of Friesland—Of Guelders—Charles of Egmont—Death of Philip the Fair.
Chapter VI
From the Government of Margaret of Austria to the Abdication of the Emperor Charles V
A.D. 1506 — 1555
Margaret of Austria invested with the Sovereignty—Her Character and Government—Charles, Son of Philip the Fair, created Duke of Brabant and Count of Flanders and Holland—The Reformation—Martin Luther—Persecution of the Reformers—Battle of Pavia—Cession of Utrecht to Charles V.—Peace of Cambray—The Anabaptists’ Sedition at Ghent—Expedition against Tunis and Algiers—Charles becomes possessed of Friesland and Guelders—His increasing Severity against the Protestants—His Abdication and Death—Review—Progress of Civilization.
Chapter VII
From the Accession of Philip II. of Spain to the Establishment of the Inquisition in the Netherlands
A.D. 1555 — 1566
Accession of Philip II.—His Character and Government—His Wars with France, and with the Pope—Peace with the Pope—Battle of St. Quentin—Battle of Gravelines—Peace of Câteau-Cambresis—Death of Mary of England—Philip’s Despotism—Establishes a Provisional Government—Convenes the States—General at Ghent—His Minister Granvelle—Goes to Zealand—Embarks for Spain—Prosperity revives— Effects of the Provisional Government—Marguerite of Palma— Character of Granvelle—Viglius de Berlaimont—Departure of the spanish Troops—Clergy—Bishops—National Discontent—Granvelle appointed Cardinal—Edict against Heresy—Popular Indignation— Reformation—State of Brabant—Confederacy against Granvelle— Prince of Orange—Counts Egmont and Horn join the Prince against Granvelle—Granvelle recalled—Council of Trent—Its Decrees received with Reprobation—Decrees against Reformers—Philip’s Bigotry—Establishment of the Inquisition—Popular Resistance.
Chapter VIII
Commencement of the Revolution
A.D. 1566
Commencement of the Revolution—Defence of the Prince of Orange—Confederacy of the Nobles—Louis of Nassau—De Brederode—Philip de St. Aldegonde—Assembly of the Council of State—Confederates enter Brussels—Take the Title of Gueux—Quit Brussels, and disperse in the Provinces—Measures of Government—
Growing Power of the Confederates—Progress of the Reformation—
Field Preaching—Herman Stricker—Boldness of the Protestants—
Peter Dathen—Ambrose Ville—Situation of Antwerp—The Prince repairs to it, and saves it—Meeting of the Confederates at St. Trond—-The Prince of Orange and Count Egmont treat with them—
Tyranny of Philip and Moderation of the Spanish Council—Image Breakers—Destruction of the Cathedral, of Antwerp—Terror of Government—Firmness of Viglius—Arbitration between the Court and the People—Concessions made by Government—Restoration of Tranquillity.