26 lugl 1581 anni - Act of Abjuration

Descrizione:

The act of abjuration, although a little known event, is tremendously important for European history. The Dutch Declaration of Independence, as it is otherwise known, created the first protestant great power of Europe.

Since 1450, the small countries of the Netherlands had seen huge economic expansion. By 1500, they were the richest part of Europe, with a per capita income of $2500 1990 dollars, double Spains' at the time. After the Reformation, the Dutch states became increasingly protestant. After the succession of the intolerant Philipp II, the dutch provinces broke into open revolt in 1566. The Act of Abjuration declared the independence of the dutch, and renewed there flagging war effort. It also was critical in the war effort of the english, simultaneously fighting the Spanish, and allowed for the final victory of the English and dutch in 1604.