 The Dutch Revolt, also called the Eighty Years' War, of 1568–1648 was the struggle by the Seven United Provinces of the Netherlands for independence from the Spanish Empire.Spain was at the height of its power and initially suppressed the rebellion, but in 1572 the Dutch rebels captured the strategic port of Brielle, providing them with a bridgehead for rapidly expanding the area under their control.Supported by France and Protestant states like England and Scotland, by 1581 the Northern provinces of the Netherlands were "de facto" independent.