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When did William I begin military action against Spanish rule in the Low Countries?
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William I
Portrait of William I, oil on panel by Adriaen Thomaszoon Key, c. 1579; in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
William I, Prince of Orange, began his military action against Spanish rule in the Low Countries in April 1568, when he inaugurated two invasions of the region. These initial campaigns were unsuccessful, and he subsequently retired to France and later Germany.12
Following these early efforts, military operations were primarily conducted by the Geuzen (guerrilla forces) until a second major phase of coordinated attacks was planned for the summer of 1572. The capture of the port of Brielle by the Geuzen on April 1, 1572, triggered a widespread popular uprising, leading William to resume direct leadership in the revolt.13