The Rise of the Dutch Republic — Volume 13: 1567, part II

"The Rise of the Dutch Republic — Volume 13: 1567, part II" by John Lothrop Motley is a historical account written in the mid-19th century, specifically during the late 1800s. The book focuses on the tumultuous period of the Dutch struggle for independence from Spanish rule, detailing the rise of powerful figures like the Duke of Alva and the grim political machinations that ensued. It explores themes of authority, rebellion, and the complexities of governance during a critical moment in European history. In this volume, Motley details the events leading up to the arrival of Duke of Alva in the Netherlands, who was sent by King Philip II of Spain to crush the growing resistance against Spanish rule. The text illustrates the intricate political landscape marked by deception, betrayal, and tyranny. Key characters such as Counts Egmont and Horn emerge amidst the unfolding tragedy as they navigate treacherous waters, ultimately succumbing to Alva's ruthless regime. The narrative captures the fear and despair that gripped the provinces in the wake of mass arrests and executions, as well as the establishment of the notorious Blood-Council, which sentenced many to death under false pretenses. Through painstaking detail, Motley highlights the brutality of this chapter in the history of the Dutch Republic, setting the stage for the ensuing conflicts and eventual quest for freedom. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Lothrop Motley was an American author and diplomat. As a popular historian, he is best known for his works on the Netherlands, the three volume work The Rise of the Dutch Republic and four volume History of the United Netherlands. As United States Minister to Austria in the service of the Abraham Lincoln administration, Motley helped to prevent European intervention on the side of the Confederates in the American Civil War. He later served as Minister to the United Kingdom during the Ulysses S. Grant administration.