The privileges: justification for the loyal opposition and the actions of the rebels against the Philip the 2nd policy in Flanders (1559-1581)

During the Dutch Revolt, respect for the privileges was an important issue, both in Brabant and in the other territories. Therefore, the King as well as the governors repeatedly declared that respecting the privileges, also to them, was a major concern. However, these declarations did not impress the loyal opposition nor the rebels, as both appealed to the old liberties. The political actors’ defence of the privileges took place in an area of tension caused by the clash between a modern centralized (state) government and a feudal society based on political traditions