Relief of the siege of Leiden.... in historical perspective hat is nowadays the Netherlands was part of the Habsburg Empire in the 15th and 16th century, which was at its largest during the rule of Charles V. His successor, Philip II, found in this northern part of his territory a country which was highly influenced by the Reformation. Religious arguments were just a part of the Eighty Years War (1568-1648); the need for greater political freedom also played its part. Under the leadership of William of Orange (nicknamed "the Silent") the Netherlands rebelled against the authority of Spain. Most of the fighting took place in the south of the Netherlands; the northern part could consider itself liberated towards the end of the 16th century. Before that, though, battles took place and the siege of Leiden was an important event.