William the Silent Biography

William the Silent, who was also known as William of Orange, was a Dutch military leader and the hero of the Dutch Revolt. He was instrumental in leading the Lower Countries in the war against Spain, eventually triggering the Eighty Years’ War. He also led to the creation of the independent republic of the United Provinces. He was revered by the Protestants and was an important leader during the period when Margaret of Parma was the governor. He was against the Catholic ways of worship. He was a wealthy nobleman who went on to inherit a lot of wealth from different people over his life. Inside the Netherlands, he is popularly referred to as “Father of the Fatherland.” He was also the Prince of Orange and is considered to be founder of the House of the Orange-Nassau by some. Owing to his role in the revolt, he was named an outlaw by the Spanish king who declared a reward for anyone assassinating him. He escaped the clutches of the assassins multiple times but finally lost his life in 1584, when he was killed after dinner by Balthasar Gerard. He had been married four times and also an affair. He had numerous legitimate children and one illegitimate son.