The End of Spanish Dominance

Decline of Spanish Influence

The reduction of Spain's power and colonial holdings, influenced by internal and external conflicts.

Portuguese Succession Crisis (1580)

The unification of Portugal and Spain under the Spanish crown, weakening Portuguese colonial efforts.

VOC (Dutch East India Company)

A company aimed at dominating Asian trade and directly competing with Spanish interests.

William of Orange (William the Silent)

Leader of the Dutch independence movement and opponent of Spanish Habsburgs.

Spanish Armada (1588)

A naval fleet sent by Spain, defeated by England, weakening Spanish maritime dominance.

Privateering

The practice of English privateers targeting Spanish treasure fleets to disrupt their economy.

Dutch Government Structure

The Netherlands became a republic with an oligarchic governance structure through the States General.

Duke of Alba

A Spanish leader appointed to suppress Dutch unrest; his actions led to the division of the Netherlands.

Stadholder Role

A military leader in the Dutch Republic, often from the House of Orange, symbolically akin to a monarch.

Henry Hudson

Explorer whose voyages led to Dutch claims in the New World, particularly New Amsterdam.

Margaret of Parma

Governed the Netherlands, focused on centralizing control and reducing town autonomy.

Elizabeth I's Reign (1558-1603)

A period of English stability marked by the establishment of the Church of England.

Colonial Ventures

Dutch colonies that served strategic purposes rather than extensive plantation economies.

Rise of New Competitors

Emergence of England and the Dutch Republic as colonial powers due to Spanish preoccupation.

Habsburg Control

Dominance over the Low Countries, encompassing significant economic centers like Amsterdam.

Prominent Figures

Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh, known for their acts against Spanish interests.

Beginnings of English Colonization

Early efforts that included notable settlements like Jamestown, promoting self-governance.