In 1581. The Dutch had been under Spanish rule for over ten years.
The Spanish King, Philip II, had conquered the Netherlands which was subsequently governed by the Duke of Alva, a Spanish nobleman. The Dutch suffered.
Their rights were taken from them, heavy taxes were imposed, some were enslaved, and they suffered hardship, torture and murder.
On the 26th of July 1581, the representatives of the seven northern provinces met and agreed upon the following statement:
“When a king does not obey his duties, but, instead of protecting his subjects, tries to oppress them as slaves, then he is no longer a king, but a tyrant. In that case, his subjects, have a right to denounce him and choose another leader.”
The first-ever statement also listed all the cruelties to the Dutch people, and the tyranny of Alva, and laid down the arguments for the far fetching decision.
It called upon the Dutch people to reclaim their rights.
The statement had made the case for human rights, sovereignty of the people and freedom of thought.
The Dutch declared themselves independent from Spanish rule and called for the inception of the first-ever republic in the world, eventually winning their battle for independence in 1648.
caltonjock 