Treaty of Ghent

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In November 1576 Spanish garrisons in the lowlands who had not been paid for a period of time revolted and vented their rage on the native nation. In Antwerp alone they massacred 6,000 men, women and children and burned 800 houses. As a result of the decision, William of Orange persuaded the 17 provinces of the Lowlands to unite under the treaty of Ghent, putting aside their differences to fight the Spanish inquisition and restore their liberties.