Philip succeeds to the Inheritance of Brabant—­Makes War on England as a French Prince, Flanders remaining neuter—­Power of the Houses of Burgundy and Bavaria, and Decline of Public Liberty—­Union of Holland, Hainault, and Brabant—­Jacqueline, Countess of Holland and Hainault—­Flies from the Tyranny of her Husband, John of Brabant, and takes Refuge in England—­Murder of John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy—­Accession of his Son, Philip the Good—­His Policy—­Espouses the Cause of John of Brabant against Jacqueline—­Deprives her of Hainault, Holland, and Zealand—­Continues his Persecution, and despoils her of her last Possession and Titles—­She marries a Gentleman of Zealand, and Dies—­Peace or Arras—­Dominions of the House of Burgundy equal to the present Extent of the Kingdom of the Netherlands—­Rebellion of Ghent—­Affairs of Holland and Zealand—­Charles the Rash—­His Conduct in Holland—­Succeeds his Father—­Effects of Philip’s Reign on the Manners of the People—­ Louis XI.—­Death of Charles, and Succession of Mary—­Factions among her Subjects—­Marries Maximilian of Austria—­Battle of Guinegate—­Death of Mary—­Maximilian unpopular—­Imprisoned by his Subjects—­Released—­Invades the Netherlands—­Succeeds to the Imperial Throne by the Death of his Father—­Philip the Fair proclaimed Duke and Count—­His wise Administration—­Affairs of Friesland—­Of Guelders—­Charles of Egmont—­Death of Philip the Fair.

CHAPTER VI

From the government of Margaret of Austria to the abdication of the emperor Charles V

A.D. 1506—­1555

Margaret of Austria invested with the Sovereignty—­Her Character and Government—­Charles, Son of Philip the Fair, created Duke of Brabant and Count of Flanders and Holland—­The Reformation—­Martin Luther—­Persecution of the Reformers—­Battle of Pavia—­Cession of Utrecht to Charles V.—­Peace of Cambray—­The Anabaptists’ Sedition at Ghent—­Expedition against Tunis and Algiers—­Charles becomes possessed of Friesland and Guelders—­His increasing Severity against the Protestants—­His Abdication and Death—­Review—­Progress of Civilization.

CHAPTER VII

From the accession of Philip II.  Of Spain to the establishment of the inquisition in the Netherlands

A.D. 1555—­1566