Union of Utrecht; foundation of the Dutch Republic.
A force of Spaniards invade Ireland.
Confinement of Tasso as a lunatic by the Duke of Ferrara.
1580.
Persecution by the Protestants of Jesuits and seminary priests in England.
Outlawry of William of Orange, by Philip II of Spain, inviting his assassination.
Seizure of Portugal by Philip II.
1581.
Conquest of Siberia by the Cossacks. See "Cossack Conquest of Siberia," x, 181.
Declaration of independence formally issued by the Seven United Provinces of the Netherlands.