The Dutch noblemen known as the 'Beggars of the Sea' had been plundering Spanish shipping in an attempt to oppose the government of the Duke of Alva. Now, having been expelled from English ports, they captured the town of Brielle, an act that marks the effective beginning of the Dutch War of Independence, since after this, many more Dutch towns began to support the rebels.
65 words
Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "The Dutch 'Beggars of the Sea' spark the Dutch War of Independence". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 01 February 2011 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=15135, accessed 19 March 2024.]