Battle of Nieuwpoort
The dunes near Nieuwpoort, West Flanders, Belgium
What happened
The army of the Dutch Republic under Maurice of Nassau, with English troops under Francis Vere, fought a Spanish army under Archduke Albert. During the Dutch revolt against Spain, Maurice led an army into Flanders to attack Dunkirk. A Spanish army caught up with him on the coast near Nieuwpoort, and the two sides fought among the sand dunes as the tide came in. After hard fighting, Dutch cavalry charges broke the Spanish army, which fled leaving its guns.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It showed the success of Maurice's army reforms, including standard drill and firing in volleys. It is considered the first serious challenge to the Spanish infantry, which had long dominated European battlefields.
What came next
The Dutch did not take Dunkirk, and Maurice withdrew. The Twelve Years' Truce between Spain and the Dutch began in 1609.
Did you know?
Nieuwpoort is said to be the first battle in Europe where volley fire, soldiers firing together in ranks, was used.
Timeline
- 1585Maurice becomes stadtholder of Holland and Zeeland.
- 2 July 1600The Dutch win at Nieuwpoort.
- 1609The Twelve Years' Truce begins.
- 23 April 1625Maurice dies.