80 Years of War

Episode Synopsis

There has been no fighting in Holland for years, where the Golden Age begins at the beginning of the 17th century. But in the east and south of the country, the struggle continues tirelessly. There, two men from one family face each other: Frederik Hendrik, the commander of the Dutch army, and his first cousin Hendrik van den Bergh, commander of the Spanish army. Frederik Hendrik, for example, managed to conquer Groenlo in 1627, while his cousin Hendrik was left behind. The battle of Groenlo is now reenacted every two years with countless volunteers, horses and cannons. Hendrik suffered the greatest defeat, however, when Frederik Hendrik also managed to take Den Bosch in 1629. Meanwhile, the population is the sad victim of the mutual display of power. Cities and villages are looted and burned by both sides. Due to the long war, part of the Netherlands is completely exhausted.