Netherlands

This country was formed as a result of the revolution of 1566 - 1588, when people rebelled against spanish predominance. In 1572 in the Northern Netherlands broke out a rebellion under the leadership of Wilhelm of Oran. In the end all of the northern regions were cleansed of spaniards. In 1576 southern area joined the freestate. Catholic Church was confiscated all of its property. Calvinism triumphed as the main religious stream. Spanish armies tried to recapture that country once again in 1577. None of the sides managed to hold the winning position for a long time. In 1579 a coalition of seven provinces was created in the Northern Netherlands, and in 1581 it gained the status of Republic of United Netherlands. A significant aid in struggle against spaniards was received from England's side. That war with Spain lasted up to the year 1648. To capture spanish colonies also cost Holland a lot of furious battles. An independent republic was formed in the Northern Netherlands while the Southern remained on the spanish side and later were given to Austria by Utrecht peace treaty. XVII - XVIII centuries saw the peak of prosperity in Netherlands. Its powerful fleet fought for dominance on the sea and also confronted the british in colonies. Their land based army was famous for its great discipline and a large corps of well trained officers. After long lasting sea wars the English became dominant in the sea, but Holland remained a developed european state.

Unique units - Musketeer XVII