The Dutch revolt against Spanish rule in the sixteenth century was a formative event in European history. The Origins and Development of the Dutch Revolt brings together in one volume the latest scholarship from leading experts in the field, to illuminate why the Dutch revolted, the way events unfolded and how they gained independence. In exploring the desire of the Dutch to control their own affairs, it also questions whether Dutch identity came about by accident. The book begins with a narrative of events, and then explores the current state of research in greater depth, focusing on: the role of the aristocracy religion the towns and provinces the Spanish perspective finance and ideology. As well as making the most recent research available in English for the first time, this book provides a useful introduction to the topic for sixth formers, teachers and undergraduates.