Editing Netherlands (section)

=== Medieval and early modern period ===
The territory that now forms the Netherlands consisted of various feudal counties and duchies during the Middle Ages. In the 15th and 16th centuries, these territories came under Habsburg rule.

In 1581, the northern provinces declared independence from Spanish authority through the Act of Abjuration. This led to the formation of the Dutch Republic. During the 17th century, often referred to as the Dutch Golden Age, the Republic became a major maritime, commercial, and financial power.