In the second half of the 16th century trade routes moved from Central Europe to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. That was one the results of the great geographic discoveries. Under the given situation, the Netherlands appeared to obtain favourable conditions for trade and industry. But exorbitant taxes imposed by the Spanish king drastically hampered economic development of the Netherlands. Spain received four times as much of profit from the Netherlands as from its big overseas colonies. At that time Spain conducted active military operations against England competing for the reign at sea and predominance in colonies. The king rendered assistance to French Catholics who fought against Huguenots. There were strained relations with Germany as well. War for the Mediterranean sea dominance between Spain and Turkey also complicated the situation in Europe, diverting Spanish fleet from the Dutch theater of war. Aiming to preserve the Netherlands as a part of the Empire, Spain supported the Catholic church and local feudal lords. But yen for independence of the Netherlands and dispersion of Spanish forces gave rise to revolution and wide-scale war for independence of Holland.

Commanders of the Dutch revolution, William of Orange and later his son Maurice of Orange formed small troops of mercenaries which generally were dismissed with the end of campaign. It was only in the last period of war that Maurice of Orange created regular army which smashed to bits the mercenaries of Spanish king. From that moment on Holland gained independence and in future impacted the economic and political development of Western civilization. In connection with technical improvement of fire-arms, one had to change the combat tactics of certain army units. New tactics demanded new organizational ways of infantry and cavalry as well. At the final stages of the war for independence the Netherlands managed to create the best regular army and fleet in Europe.