The Sea Beggars

The Sea Beggars were a group of Protestant pirates and fighters in the 16th century, mainly Dutch rebels opposing Spanish rule during the Dutch Revolt. Originally privateers, they attacked Spanish ships and settlements, using their naval skills to weaken Spanish control. Their actions helped ignite and sustain the Dutch fight for independence, leading to the eventual recognition of the Netherlands as a separate nation. The Sea Beggars became symbols of Dutch resistance, playing a key role in the broader struggle for religious and political freedom during that period.