80 Years of War

Episode Synopsis

After the death of William of Orange, his son Maurits takes over. At that point, the Rebellion is not in very good shape. Philip II is still the most powerful man in the world, his empire stretches all over the globe. The symbol of that power is the Escorial at Madrid, which was completed in 1584. But Maurits turns out to be a shrewd and skilled soldier. Perhaps because as a young boy he played with tin soldiers. His triumphal march begins with the famous ruse with the Turfschip, by which Breda is conquered from the Spaniards. After that, he systematically works on reforming the army. The new discipline among the soldiers pays off: in a successful campaign he conquers one city after another, including Groningen. And finally there is the battle of Nieuwpoort, a triumph for Orange, but just in the nick of time.