Produced by Robert J. Hall
[Illustration: THE DUKE OF ALVA DEPOSES MARGARET OF PARMA]
Extent of the Kingdom—Description of the People—Ancient Stateof the Low Countries—Of the High Grounds—Contrasted with thepresent Aspect of the Country—Expedition of Julius Cæsar—TheBelgæ—The Menapians—Batavians—Distinguished among the Auxiliariesof Rome—Decrease of national Feeling in Part of the Country—Steady Patriotism of the Frisons and Menapians—Commencement ofCivilization—Early Formation of the Dikes—Degeneracy of thosewho became united to the Romans—Invasion of the Netherlandsby the Salian Franks.
Character of the Franks—The Saxon Tribes—Destruction of theSalians by a Saxon Tribe—Julian the Apostate—Victories of Clovisin Gaul—Contrast between the Low Countries and the Provinces ofFrance—State of Friesland—Charles Martell—Friesland convertedto Christianity—Finally subdued by France.
Commencement of the Feudal System in the Highlands—Flourishing Stateof the Low Countries—Counts of the Empire—Formation of the Gildenor Trades—Establishment of popular Privileges in Friesland—Inwhat they consisted—Growth of Ecclesiastical Power—Baldwin ofFlanders—Created Count—Appearance of the Normans—They ravage theNetherlands—Their Destruction, and final Disappearance—Divisionof the Empire into Higher and Lower Lorraine—Establishment ofthe Counts of Lorraine and Hainault—Increasing Power of theBishops of Liege and Utrecht—Their Jealousy of the Counts; whoresist their Encroachments.
Origin of Holland—Its first Count—Aggrandizement of Flanders—Itsgrowing Commerce—Fisheries—Manufactures—Formation of the Countyof Guelders, and of Brabant—State of Friesland—State of theProvinces—The Crusades—Their good Effects on the State of theNetherlands—Decline of the Feudal Power, and Growth of the Influenceof the Towns—Great Prosperity of the Country—The Flemings takeup Arms against the French—Drive them out of Bruges, and defeatthem in the Battle of Courtrai—Popular Success in Brabant—ItsConfederation with Flanders—Rebellion of Bruges against theCount, and of Ghent under James d' Artaveldt—His Alliance withEngland—His Power, and Death—Independence of Flanders—Battleof Roosbeke—Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, obtains theSovereignty of Flanders.
Philip succeeds to the Inheritance of Brabant—Makes War on Englandas a French Prince, Flanders remaining neuter—Power of the Housesof Burgundy and Bavaria, and Dec