The Catholic but still anti-Spanish reaction makes…

The Catholic but still anti-Spanish reaction makes itself felt first in the southern, French-speaking provinces.

When seeking for help, their thoughts had naturally turned to France, but it is on the Prince of Orange's advice that the States General in August adopt the Catholic Duke d'Anjou, brother of Henry III of France, as “Defender of the Liberty of the Netherlands.” Soon afterward, the formation of specific unions by smaller groups of provinces begins to compromise the general union.