Violence and Discourse in the Low Countries 1100–1600

Abstract

The provinces of the Low Countries were part of the Holy Roman Empire. Conflicts between vassals were regulated in knightly behavioral codes. Limited wars erupted at times of succession, when groups of nobles supported their candidate lord. These fights could be solved within the feudal code, if they did not spring from treason. The southern province of Brabant installed councils to solve conflict through negotiation. Centralization proceeded, when a lack of heirs, warfare and financial distress brought provinces in one hand. Charles V united the 17 provinces and installed central institutions to govern the Low Countries. However, centralization was disrupted by the Reformation. Religion ignited revolt that led to the Dutch War of independence from Habsburg Spain. Geuzen armies operated as war bands that sowed terror in Holland. Willem of Orange and his army disbanded the Geuzen, when the seven provinces declared themselves independent. Several attempts to negotiate peace had faltered at that time due to Calvinist zeal and Spanish militancy. Southern provinces remained with Habsburg rule, while the Northern provinces continued the fight.