The Dutch fought in the Eighty Years' War (1568 to 1648) to gain independence of which empire?

The Eighty Years’ War is also known as the Dutch War of Independence. It stretched from 1568 to 1648 as the new Dutch Republic struggled to free itself from the Spanish Empire. These eighty years are a crucial part of Dutch history.

The Spanish never really invaded the Netherlands: there was no exciting moment of conquest. Through royal marriage, political arrangements, and the sheer lack of nationhood in the 15th and 16th centuries, the Netherlands slowly came under the control of the Spanish Empire. That was fine for a while, but people became discontent with the Empire for a multitude of reasons in the 16th century. The primary reasons could be classified into two: resentment towards the Spanish authority and religious tension.

After the initial stages, Spain deployed its armies and regained control over most of the rebelling provinces. Under the leadership of the exiled William the Silent, the northern provinces continued their resistance. They eventually were able to oust the Spanish armies, and in 1581 they established the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. The war continued in other areas, although the heartland of the republic was no longer threatened.

The Dutch Republic was recognized by Spain and the major European powers in 1609 at the start of the Twelve Years' Truce. Hostilities broke out again around 1619. An end was reached in 1648 with the Peace of Münster when the Dutch Republic was definitively recognized as an independent country.