Social Unrest and Military Pressure in the Spanish Netherlands (1630s)

Timeline

1. 1630–1634Spanish Netherlands · Spanish NetherlandsThe Thirty Years' War made the Spanish Netherlands one of its important theaters. The Dutch Republic took the opportunity to expand southward, seizing several fortress cities. Spain was forced to maintain large garrisons and levy war taxes within its territory, and the heavy burden aroused discontent among local nobles and townspeople.
2. 1635–1636Southern border of the Spanish Netherlands · Spanish NetherlandsIn May 1635 Cardinal Richelieu formally declared war on Spain, and French forces promptly invaded the southern Spanish Netherlands. In 1636 Spanish forces counterattacked and briefly penetrated deep into France, threatening Paris, but were forced to retreat for lack of supplies. Fighting on two fronts left the Brussels authorities stretched thin.
3. 1637–1639Brussels and throughout the Spanish Netherlands · Spanish NetherlandsContinuing war caused garrison costs to multiply, and Spanish Netherlands cities were forced to bear 'winter quarters' (winterkwartieren) fees; poor military discipline and frequent looting and harassment were commonplace. The finances of the Austrian archducal governorate in Brussels grew ever tighter, and relations between the provincial estates and Madrid became strained.