1560 Dutch v Spanish

[swilhelm73]

So I've working on the 1560 EU2 scenario. Obviously one of the the key aspects of it is the Spanish-Dutch conflict.

So, from people who know this time conflict well, as of Jan 1, 1560, which EU2 provinces did each side control, and what were the force layouts?

 

[w_mullender]

Originally posted by swilhelm73
So I've working on the 1560 EU2 scenario. Obviously one of the the key aspects of it is the Spanish-Dutch conflict.

So, from people who know this time conflict well, as of Jan 1, 1560, which EU2 provinces did each side control, and what were the force layouts?

As of 1560 it is pretty easy, everything is Spanish.
Short overview of the 80 years war
Basically the low lands and especially the south (especially Flanders and Brabant in EU terms) had been boiling for decades.
In the 1560's the persecution of heretics became more strict causing turmoil, also the economy was declining. Furthermore Philips 2 was at odds with the most powerfull nobles due to a proposed restructuring of the bishoprics and the centralisation of government (mainly getting civil servants iso noblemen for important positions). Around 1565/66 the harvest had failed there were looting Spanish troops (due to wars against France) and then the "beeldenstorm" (basically looting of catholic churches) started. It spread from the south to the north causing the king to react by sending the duke of Alva (Alba in EU) with a lot of troops. Most heretic nobles fled the country, among them William of Orange (who was catholic btw). He planned an invasion in cooperation with the Guesen which failed, causing the duke of Alba to strengthen his situation, until the Guesen took Den Briel (in EU province of Holland) in 1568. They took other cities as well in the province. The duke tried to get back all cities, but failed (mainly due to lack of money for the soldiers). From then on the dutch were never really in danger of being totally reconquered and the rebellion spread to the whole of the netherlands. Later the Spanish managed to get full control of the south, causing the richer heretics (usually traders and intellectuals) to flee to the north and that is the main cause that Belgium is a serperate catholic country nowadays.

 

[swilhelm73]

I think for the scenario's sake it makes sense to have the dutch start independent though.

Perhaps they should only get the province of Holland to start, as opposed to gettign the starting 4 as they do right now in the scenario...the problem then is that Spain will likely annex them quickly...

 

[w_mullender]

Originally posted by swilhelm73
I think for the scenario's sake it makes sense to have the dutch start independent though.

Perhaps they should only get the province of Holland to start, as opposed to gettign the starting 4 as they do right now in the scenario...the problem then is that Spain will likely annex them quickly...

You could set the revolt risks high in the other provinces (and maybe Gelre and Frisia as controlled by rebels), which would make it rather accurate.

 

[swilhelm73]

Originally posted by w_mullender
You could set the revolt risks high in the other provinces (and maybe Gelre and Frisia as controlled by rebels), which would make it rather accurate.

It appears this is all rather moot now...as you'll see if you click on my sig...

 

[w_mullender]

I see Johan is doing it already. So it seems everybody is listening to my motto: "Be reasonable do it my way"