Between convenience and reputation: an approach to the opinions generated by the signature of the Twelve year Truce

Abstract

This paper aims to approach those positions that could arise in different sectors of opinion along the lines of the Spanish-Dutch negotiations that took place from 1606, resulting in the signing of a cease-fire in 1607 and a twelve-year truce in 1609. Previously, we try to point out those changes in the model of Spanish foreign policy promoted by the arrival of Philip III and how they affected a general European process of stability and peace that would take place between 1609 and 1618. However, our main intention is to underline those factors that took both contenders to the negotiating table and what were the points of view about the truce and the interests in the main figures, both Dutch and Spanish files. In this sense we also include the attitudes of those groups and individuals that indirectly had influence on the development of discussions, putting pressure on one way or another, and achieving a final result with small doses of success.