The campaign of 1593 was marked by the taking of Geertruidenberg, a fortress which barred the free access of the Hollanders and Zeelanders to the inland waters.  The science which Maurice displayed in the siege of this town greatly increased his renown.  In the following year the stadholders turned their attention to the north-east corner of the land, which was still in the possession of the Spaniards.  After a siege of two months Groningen surrendered; and the city with the surrounding district was by the terms of the capitulation—­known as “The Treaty of Reduction”—­admitted as a province into the Union under the name of Stad en Landen. William Lewis was appointed stadholder, and Drente was placed under his jurisdiction.  The northern Netherlands were now cleared of the enemy, and Maurice at the conclusion of the campaign made a triumphal entry into the Hague amidst general rejoicing.  William Lewis lost no time in taking steps to establish Calvinism as the only recognised form of faith in his new government.  His strong principles did not allow him to be tolerant, and to Catholicism he was a convinced foe.  Everywhere throughout the United Provinces the reformed religion was now dominant, and its adherents alone could legally take part in public worship.

In January, 1595, Henry IV declared war against Spain and was anxious for an alliance with the States against the common enemy.  The Archduke Ernest, on whose coming into the Netherlands great hopes had been placed, found himself now in a difficult position with hostile armies threatening from both sides and no hope of efficient financial or other support from Spain.  He was instructed therefore to enter into negotiations at the Hague with a view to the conclusion of a peace, based upon the terms of the Pacification of Ghent.  But there was never any prospect of an agreement being reached; and the sudden death of the archduke (February 20,1595) brought the negotiations to an end.  Archduke Ernest was succeeded by the Count of Fuentes as governor ad interim. Fuentes proved himself to be a strong and capable commander; and the summer was marked by a series of successes against the hostile forces both of the French and the Netherlanders.  There was no decisive encounter, but the Spanish forces foiled the efforts of their adversaries to effect an invasion or capture any towns.

The Cardinal Archduke Albert arrived at Brussels to replace Fuentes in January, 1596.  Albert was the favourite nephew of King Philip, and had been brought up at Madrid.  Although an ecclesiastic, he proved himself to be a statesman and soldier of more than ordinary capacity.  It was intended that he should, as soon as the Pope’s consent could be obtained, divest himself of his orders and marry his cousin the Infanta Isabel.  The bankrupt condition of Spain prevented Philip from furnishing the archduke with adequate financial help on entering upon his governorship, but Albert was provided with