Union of Utrecht

The Union of Utrecht was an alliance concluded on 23 January 1579 between a number of Dutch provinces and cities, including Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht and, in part, Groningen, forming a joint commitment against King Philip II of Spain in the hope of halting his harsh administrative measures. Beyond military cooperation, the agreement regulated important political matters including defence, taxation and religion, which is why it is often seen as a first version, or precursor, of a later constitution, and it complemented the General Union of 1576 established by the Pacification of Ghent, for which reason it is also known as the Further Union. The Union of Utrecht is regarded as foundational to the later Dutch Republic.