The first half of the reign of…

The first half of the reign of Albert and Isabella over the Spanish Netherlands is to be dominated by war.

Overtures to the United Provinces and to Queen Elizabeth I having proved unsuccessful, the Habsburg policy in the Low Countries aims at regaining the military initiative and isolating the Dutch Republic.

The strategy is to force its opponents to the conference table and negotiate from a position of strength.

Even if Madrid and Brussels tend o agree on these options, Albert takes a far more flexible stance than his brother in law, the new Spanish king Philip III.

Albert has first hand knowledge of the devastation wrought by the Dutch Revolt and has come to the conclusion that it will be impossible to reconquer the northern provinces.

Quite logically, Philip III and his councilors feel more concern for Spain's reputation and for the impact that a compromise with the Dutch Republic might have on Habsburg positions as a whole.

Spain provides the means to continue the war.

Albert takes the decisions on the ground and tends to ignore Madrid's instructions.

Under the circumstances, the division of responsibilities repeatedly leads to tensions.