Spanish Netherlands

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Spanish Netherlands Países Bajos Españoles
1581–1714
Status	Vassal of Spanish Empire
Capital	Brussels
Common languages	Dutch, French, Spanish
Religion	Roman Catholicism
Government	Monarchy
Monarch
• 1581–1598	Philip II
• 1665–1700	Charles II
History
• Union of Arras	1581
• Treaty of Rastatt	1714
Currency	Spanish Netherlands guilder
Preceded by Succeeded by Habsburg Netherlands Austrian Netherlands 20px
Today part of	Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France

The Spanish Netherlands (Spanish: Países Bajos Españoles ) was a region in the Low Countries that was under the control of the Spanish Empire from 1581 to 1714. It comprised most of modern-day Belgium, Luxembourg, and parts of France and the Netherlands.

History

The Spanish Netherlands was formed following the Union of Arras in 1579, which aligned the southern provinces of the Habsburg Netherlands with the Spanish Crown. This was in contrast to the Union of Utrecht, which led to the formation of the Dutch Republic in the northern provinces.

Eighty Years' War

The region was a significant battleground during the Eighty Years' War (1568–1648), a conflict between the Dutch Republic and the Spanish Empire. The war ended with the Treaty of Münster in 1648, which recognized the independence of the Dutch Republic but left the southern provinces under Spanish control.

War of the Spanish Succession

The Spanish Netherlands remained under Spanish rule until the early 18th century. The War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714) led to the transfer of the territory to the Austrian Habsburgs under the terms of the Treaty of Rastatt in 1714, becoming the Austrian Netherlands.

Economy

The economy of the Spanish Netherlands was primarily based on agriculture, trade, and textile manufacturing. The region was known for its production of fine linens and tapestries, which were highly valued across Europe.

Culture

The Spanish Netherlands was a center of the Baroque art movement, with notable artists such as Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck emerging from the region. The influence of the Counter-Reformation was also significant, leading to the construction of many grand churches and cathedrals.

Administration

The Spanish Netherlands was governed by a Governor-General, who acted as the representative of the Spanish monarch. The capital of the region was Brussels, which served as the administrative and political center.

Legacy

The Spanish Netherlands played a crucial role in the history of the Low Countries and left a lasting cultural and architectural legacy. The period of Spanish rule is remembered for its contributions to art, architecture, and the complex political landscape of the region.

Related Pages

• Habsburg Netherlands
• Austrian Netherlands
• Eighty Years' War
• Union of Arras
• Union of Utrecht
• Treaty of Münster
• War of the Spanish Succession
• Treaty of Rastatt