Queen Elizabeth and the Revolt of the Netherlands - by Charles Wilson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Queen Elizabeth and the Revolt of the Netherlands provides a deeply insightful analysis of one of the most pivotal conflicts of the sixteenth century, exploring England's complex and often fraught relationship with the Dutch Revolt. This meticulously researched work traces the origins of the uprising against Spanish rule in the Low Countries, detailing the economic, political, and religious tensions that fueled the struggle. The book examines how Philip II's policies, from religious persecution to centralized control, alienated his Dutch subjects and provoked widespread resistance, eventually drawing Elizabethan England into a reluctant but fateful alliance with the rebels. Through a careful study of diplomatic maneuvering and military interventions, the book sheds light on the profound impact of this conflict on the broader European balance of power.

At the heart of the analysis is Elizabeth I's cautious yet consequential role in supporting the Dutch resistance. Torn between economic pragmatism, political caution, and a growing ideological commitment to Protestant solidarity, Elizabeth's foreign policy oscillated between non-intervention and direct engagement. The book vividly illustrates how England's support for the Dutch rebels was not just a strategic move against Spanish dominance but also a defining moment in the evolution of constitutional and national identity. By delving into the competing visions of monarchy, rebellion, and governance, Queen Elizabeth and the Revolt of the Netherlands offers a compelling narrative of how England's actions helped shape the fate of the Dutch Republic and the wider struggle for political and religious self-determination in early modern Europe.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1970.