Fernando Alvarez de Toledo Duke of Alba vs George S. Patton

Alba established the Council of Troubles, also known as the Blood Council, to prosecute those involved in the Dutch Revolt. This tribunal sentenced thousands to death, including the Counts of Egmont and Horne, intensifying resistance.

Alba's Spanish army decisively defeated the rebel forces of Louis of Nassau at Jemmingen. The rebel army was destroyed, with thousands killed or drowned in the Ems River, temporarily crushing the revolt's military strength.

Alba attempted to impose a 10% sales tax (the Tenth Penny) on all movable goods in the Netherlands. This tax was deeply unpopular and sparked widespread economic disruption and renewed rebellion, undermining Spanish control.

King Philip II recalled Alba from his governorship of the Netherlands after his policies failed to suppress the revolt. Alba's harsh rule had alienated both Catholics and Protestants, and his military campaigns had stalled.

Patton assumed command of II Corps after the U.S. defeat at Kasserine Pass. He restored discipline and led the corps to victory at El Guettar, his first major engagement against German forces in World War II.

Patton commanded the U.S. Seventh Army during the invasion of Sicily. His forces captured Palermo and raced to Messina, beating the British to the port. The campaign secured the island for the Allies.

Patton visited a field hospital and slapped a soldier diagnosed with battle fatigue, accusing him of cowardice. The incident caused a public scandal, nearly ended his career, and forced him to apologize publicly.

During the Battle of the Bulge, Patton rapidly turned his Third Army north and broke through German lines to relieve the besieged 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne. This action was critical to the Allied victory.

Patton's Third Army crossed the Rhine River at Oppenheim without aerial bombardment or a preliminary artillery barrage, achieving a surprise crossing. This allowed Allied forces to advance deep into Germany.