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.