Margaret of Parma

Margaret of Parma was appointed Governor of the Netherlands by her half-brother King Philip II of Spain. She governed during the early stages of the Dutch Revolt, implementing policies that sought to suppress Protestantism and maintain Spanish control.

Margaret issued an edict moderating the anti-heresy laws in the Netherlands, allowing limited Protestant worship in an attempt to quell unrest. This concession failed to satisfy Calvinist radicals and contributed to the outbreak of the Iconoclastic Fury later that year.

Calvinist mobs destroyed Catholic church art and statues across the Netherlands. Margaret's government was unable to prevent the widespread destruction, which deepened the religious divide and prompted Philip II to send the Duke of Alba with an army to restore order.

Margaret resigned as Governor of the Netherlands after the arrival of the Duke of Alba, who was sent by Philip II to suppress the revolt. She opposed Alba's harsh policies and left the Netherlands, returning to Italy.