Fernando Alvarez de Toledo Duke of Alba

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.