The Council of Troubles, also known as the Council of Blood, was established in 1567 by the Spanish governor, Duke of Alva, in the Netherlands. Its primary purpose was to suppress the growing Protestant Reformation and restore Catholic control. The council was notorious for its harsh measures, including trials and executions of suspected heretics. The council's actions led to widespread unrest and resistance among the Dutch population. Many viewed it as a symbol of Spanish tyranny, contributing to the outbreak of the Eighty Years' War. Ultimately, the council's oppressive tactics fueled the desire for independence in the Netherlands.