Twelve Years' Truce

The Twelve Years' Truce (1609-1621) was a temporary ceasefire during the Eighty Years' War between the Spanish Empire and the Dutch Republic. This conflict began in 1568 as the Dutch sought independence from Spanish rule. The truce allowed both sides to pause hostilities, enabling the Dutch to consolidate their independence and improve their economy while Spain focused on other challenges. Although the truce was intended to create lasting peace, tensions eventually reignited, leading to further conflict after it ended. The truce marked a significant phase in the struggle for Dutch independence, shaping European political dynamics.