1588 The Spanish Armada sails, is defeated by the English, and dispersed by storms.
1589 Farnese repulsed from Bergen-op-Zoom. An expedition from England under the Portuguese claimant Don Antonio invades Portugal, pillages Corunna, and retreats. Perez arraigned for the murder of Escovedo. He escapes to Aragon and appeals to its fueros (privileges). His prosecution abandoned.
1590 Increase of the excise on food, termed “the millions.” Battle of Ivry; Henry IV of France defeats the league and its Spanish auxiliaries. Philip claims the French throne for his daughter by Elizabeth of Valois. A Spanish force under Farnese is sent to the relief of Paris, but quarrels with the league.
1591 Perez arrested by the Inquisition. The mob rise against it. Perez escapes to France. Philip punishes the rioters who had attacked the Inquisition. Its power increases. Part of fueros of Aragon abolished.
1592 Farnese relieves Rouen, is deserted by the league, and escapes from Henry IV with heavy loss.
1594 Groningen, the last stronghold of the Spaniards in the United Provinces, taken by the stadholder.
1596 Cadiz sacked by Essex.
1597 The stadholder defeats the Spaniards at Turnhout. Philip repudiates his debts.
1598 Peace of Vervins with Henry IV. Death of Philip. The Netherlands pass to his daughter Isabella, and the rest of his possessions to his son Philip III.
1599 A second armada sails for England and is beaten back by a storm.