Philip III, Archduke Albert and Ambrosio Spínola: power relations in Flanders

Abstract

Philip III's doubts about the rule exercised by the Archduke in Brussels, the latter's insecurities about his role at the head of the Spanish army facing the rebels of the United Provinces and Ambrosio Spinola's desire to acquire honour and reputation shaped the synergies necessary to establish power relations in Flanders between 1604 and 1621. This form of three-way political action will allow us to better understand how the King of Spain managed to impose his authority in a state of which he was not sovereign; how Archduke Albert managed to maintain his honour and govern under a halo of dignity and independence; and, finally, to what extent the figure and work carried out by Ambrosio was relevant until he became the factotum of the Spanish Netherlands.