Netherlands Christianity in the 16th century

iconoclasm: organised destruction of catholic images, or beeldenstorm, swept through netherlands churches in 1566.

the reformation in netherlands, unlike in many other countries, not initiated rulers of seventeen provinces instead multiple popular movements, in turn bolstered arrival of protestant refugees other parts of continent. while anabaptist movement enjoyed popularity in region in decades of reformation, calvinism, in form of dutch reformed church, became dominant protestant faith in country 1560s onward.

harsh persecution of protestants spanish government of philip ii contributed desire independence in provinces, led eighty years war , eventually, separation of largely protestant dutch republic catholic-dominated southern netherlands, present-day belgium.