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Introduction: The Dutch Revolt and other revolts -- Early days -- William of Orange forges a nation -- Sufficient armed forces -- English support, Leicester's ambition, Oldenbarneveldt's steadiness -- Parma's about turn, and Maurits' counterstroke -- Politicians meddling, Flanders "invaded" -- The XII years truce, and a diplomatic victory -- Internal strife within the republic... -- ...But the economy expands -- 1621, renewal of war looms, and playing for time -- War again, and the dark hour before the dawn -- Reasons why the Dutch Revolt survived -- "The sinews of war" -- Revolts and insurgencies over the next three centuries -- Maurits of Nassau, his achievement. "This book describes the crucial period in the monumental eighty-year Dutch struggle against the Spanish Empire, through which a small nation gained its independence from one of the mightiest European powers. Dr. Ridley shows how even though the Dutch Revolt was at its lowest point, Maurits of Nassau and the Dutch fought on and the Revolt survived. It was a turbulent time, with complex diplomacy and shifting alliances, assassination plots, France torn by civil war, Spain spearheading the Counter-Reformation, England facing invasion and Europe eventually convulsed with the Thirty Years' War. In all these, the Dutch Revolt was a significant factor. The book also explores subsequent insurgencies over the following three centuries where nationalist groups revolted against European powers, and analyzes and identifies essential factors for a successful insurgency. The key roles of finance and international relations in insurgencies are emphasized. This volume will be informative and compelling reading for readers and students of history, international relations, and insurgencies"--
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