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Spanish troops conquer Aalst

The Spanish Fury (or the Spanish Terror) was a number of violent sackings of cities (lootings) in the Low Countries or Benelux, mostly by Spanish Habsburg armies, that happened in the years 1572–1579...

The Spanish Fury (or the Spanish Terror) was a number of violent sackings of cities (lootings) in the Low Countries or Benelux, mostly by Spanish Habsburg armies, that happened in the years 1572–1579 during the Dutch Revolt. In some cases, the sack did not follow the taking of a city. In others, the sack was ordered, or at least not restrained, by Spanish commanders after the fall of a city.

The most notorious Spanish Fury was the sack of Antwerp in November 1576. In English, this, and the mutinous campaign of 1576 in general, tends to be what is meant by "Spanish Fury". In Dutch, the term includes a wider range of sackings, in particular the city punishments of 1572. The events of the Spanish Fury contributed to the creation of anti-Spanish sentiment in many parts of Europe.

Historical Significance

The Spanish Fury (or the Spanish Terror) was a number of violent sackings of cities (lootings) in the Low Countries or Benelux, mostly by Spanish Habsburg armies, that happened in the years 1572–1579 during the Dutch Revolt.

Events Before

  1. Henry III of France marries Louise de Lorraine-Vaudémont.

    Henry III of France marries Louise de Lorraine-Vaudémont.

  2. Indian Mughal Emperor Akbar defeats Bengali army at the Battle of Tukaroi

    Indian Mughal Emperor Akbar defeats Bengali army at the Battle of Tukaroi

  3. William I of Orange marries 3rd wife Charlotte de Bourbon and former French nun

    William I of Orange marries 3rd wife Charlotte de Bourbon and former French nun

  4. Spanish troops conquer Buren

    Spanish troops conquer Buren

  5. Spanish viceroy Gilles of Hierges attacks Oudewater

    Spanish viceroy Gilles of Hierges attacks Oudewater

Events After

  1. Francis Drake sets sail from England on an epic three-year circumnavigation of the world aboard the "Pelican," later ren

    Francis Drake sets sail from England on an epic three-year circumnavigation of the world aboard the "Pelican," later renamed the "Golden Hind"

  2. King Henri de Bourbon of Navarra becomes leader of the Huguenots

    King Henri de Bourbon of Navarra becomes leader of the Huguenots

  3. Spanish land guardian Don Juan of Habsburg signs the "Eternal Edict"

    Spanish land guardian Don Juan of Habsburg signs the "Eternal Edict"

  4. Spanish army and German mercenaries conquer Namur

    Spanish army and German mercenaries conquer Namur

  5. Peace of Bergerac: Political rights for Huguenots

    Peace of Bergerac: Political rights for Huguenots

More from the 1570s

Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible begins his march to Novgorod

The massacre of Novgorod was an attack launched by Ivan the Terrible's oprichniki on the city of Novgorod, Russia, in 1570.

The Geuzen set fire to the city of Woudrichem

Woudrichem is a city and former municipality in the province of North Brabant in the Netherlands.

Henry of Navarre (later Henry IV of France) abjures Catholicism at Tours

Henry IV (French: Henri IV; 13 December 1553 – 14 May 1610), also known by the epithets Good King Henry (le Bon Roi Henri) or Henry the Great (Henri le Grand), was King of Navarre (as Henry III) from...

Henry III of France marries Louise de Lorraine-Vaudémont.

Henry III of France marries Louise de Lorraine-Vaudémont.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on July 26, 1576?
The Spanish Fury (or the Spanish Terror) was a number of violent sackings of cities (lootings) in the Low Countries or Benelux, mostly by Spanish Habsburg armies, that happened in the years 1572–1579 during the Dutch Revolt. In some cases, the sack did not follow the taking of a city. In others, the sack was ordered, or at least not restrained, by Spanish commanders after the fall of a city.
Why is Spanish troops conquer Aalst significant?
The Spanish Fury (or the Spanish Terror) was a number of violent sackings of cities (lootings) in the Low Countries or Benelux, mostly by Spanish Habsburg armies, that happened in the years 1572–1579 during the Dutch Revolt.

Explore More

July 26 in HistoryYear 1576