Republic of the Netherlands

Soon after the Truce of Antwerp, perhaps better known as the 12 year truce between the Spanish Empire and the Dutch, the country fell victim to internal strife. The rivalry between Maurits, the Stadtholder of Holland, and Johan Van Oldenbarnevelt, Grand Pensionary of Holland, reached its climax in 1611. The States-General ousted Maurits from power, granting much of the effective control to Van Oldenbarnevelt and the States-General. Advocating for a unified yet open liturgy in the country, the latter managed to stabilize the Republic for the time being.

In 1621, the Spanish-Dutch War continued in its second phase, starting off as a massive success for the Republican armies. Pushing all the way to Mechelen, Brussels and Antwerp. The latter failed to fall in hands of the Dutch armies thanks to a solid defence. The victory at the Battle of Boortmeerbeek gave the Dutch enough leverage to strike a decisive deal with the Spanish government, who had to deal with a war on multiple fronts. Van Oldenbarnevelt's death in 1624 marked the end of the Dutch dominance on the war front and an end to the short period of political stability in the Republic.

The Treaty of Ghent (1624) was a diplomatic blunder. The Dutch would face the wrath of Spanish dissident groups under Spinola, refusing to recognize the treaty, and the French army. It wouldn't take long before much of the previous gains reverting to Spanish hands. In 1629, Frederick Henry, younger brother of Maurits, became the new Stadtholder during these tumultuous times for the Republic.