Republic of the Seven United Provinces

The Republic of the Seven United Provinces was a confederation of seven semi-autonomous Dutch provinces that declared independence from Spain in 1581, forming what is now the Netherlands. This union was characterized by cooperation among the provinces while maintaining their own governments and laws. It was marked by a shared commitment to independence from Spanish rule and a collective effort to establish a unified Dutch state, which eventually led to the recognition of independence in 1648 through the Treaty of Westphalia. This republic played a significant role in European politics and the Age of Exploration, fostering advancements in trade, science, and art.