Page:Things Seen In Holland (1912).djvu/203

 brief survey of Holland's history. After years of strenuous fighting, the Utrecht Union, the famous defensive league of the Northern Netherlands, was formed in 1579, and in 1581 the States-General threw off their allegiance to the Spanish Crown. In 1584 William the Silent was foully done to death, and the year following his son Maurice was elected Stadhouder, and was succeeded at his death by his brother Frederick Henry (1625-1647). The latter died shortly before the peace of Westphalia, by which the independence of the United States of the Netherlands was formally recognized, and was succeeded by his son William. On his death in 1650 the reins of government were entrusted to the Grand Pensionary, John de Witt. During his term of office the Netherlands were invaded by Louis XIV. of France, who overran the country without encountering