The Dutch Revolt, also known as the Eighty Years' War, was a conflict that took place from 1568 to 1648 between the Spanish Empire and the Dutch provinces. The revolt began due to rising tensions over heavy taxation, religious persecution, and the desire for independence from Spanish rule. The Protestant Reformation played a significant role, as many Dutch citizens opposed the Catholic policies of the Spanish monarchy. The conflict led to the establishment of the Dutch Republic in 1581, which marked a significant shift in power in Europe. The war concluded with the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, recognizing Dutch independence and paving the way for the rise of the Dutch Golden Age in trade, art, and science.