D. 1584
JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY
Throughout the earlier period of the "heroic age of the Netherlands"
William of Orange, the natural leader of his people, displayed
qualities of foresight, prudence, and courage worthy of the position
which he held. Without great generalship, "he knew how to wait and
turn his reverses to account." His life was constantly in danger and
was repeatedly attempted, but his resolution was never disturbed by
fear. While meriting the surname of the "Silent," he expressed
himself effectively in the decisive speech of action.
The Pacification of Ghent (1576)--the union of the seventeen Netherland
provinces, of which William was at the head--was of short duration.
The northern provinces were Protestant, the southern mostly Catholic.
Diverse trade interests also prevented perfect union. Compromise was
attempted without avail. The Southern provinces acknowledged Philip
II, while the seven Northern provinces--Holland, Zealand, Utrecht,
Gelderland, Overyssel, Friesland, and Groningen--formed themselves
(1579) into the Union of Utrecht, a federal republic, with William
of Orange as stadtholder.
A little later the Spanish government published a ban against the
Prince and set a price upon his head.
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