Was Henry IV’s Foreign Policy Impressive?

William of Orange played a decisive role in the revolt of the Netherlands.

He acted as the leader of the only really effective opposition to the

Spanish rule during the 1560’s and 1570’s. During the early 60’s Orange

spent much of his time in the Netherlands campaigning against Granvelle. He

used the support of Egmont to increase the effectiveness of his campaign.

After the recall of Granvelle in 1563 Orange turned his attention to the

regent, Margaret of Parma. He appealed to her to moderate the laws that

were in place connected to religious persecution of all non-Catholics.

Orange even went to the states general where he was quoted as saying,

“However strongly I am myself a catholic, I can not approve of princes

attempting to rule over the consciences of their subjects”. This led to

Margaret acting and the iconoclastic fury erupting in 1566. Although Orange

was dedicated to his cause he was forced to flee the Netherlands for his

So after 1567 Orange was unable to directly effect the Netherlands from

within. However this did not stop his from making a large contribution

prosperous situation from it. He bounced back by making alliances with the

but this was only in retaliation to the union of Aras that had been set up

government in the hands of the council of state. Immediately Orange leapt

would lead, one army attacking from France led by the French Huguenots and a

pronged attack. He planned to have one army attack from Germany that he

Some topics in this essay:
Margaret Parma, Utrecht Orange, Immediately Orange, Holland Zealand, William Orange, Admiral Coligny, French Huguenots, Anjou Orange’s, Orange Orange’s, Brill Flushing, holland zealand, revolt netherlands, sea beggars, william orange, french huguenots, spanish troops,