ll of the provinces (Thatcher 6).
             The previously mentioned aspect of Philip's disconnection with his subjects in the Low Countries deserves brief attention. He visited the Netherlands in 1555 and was to never return. Although it might seem menial to the average person, it influenced his subjects greatly. They were suffering from political, religious, economic and social oppression at the hands of a King who was never in sight. It is not that the Dutch rebels would not have revolted if the King's palace was in Holland, but if they were able to link their hardships with a face the revolts might have been able to be prevented or their severity lessened (Harrison 219).
             One of Philip's first major mistakes was putting Dutch printing under the scrutiny of the Spanish Inquisition. Records show that over four hundred different book titles were burnt and outlawed by the Inquisition. Books by Protestant supporters such as Martin Luther were outlawed, although a few versions of his works were still in circulation. The Spanish Inqui
             ...