The Eighty Years' War (1568-1648) was a conflict between the Spanish Empire and the Dutch provinces, primarily over issues of political control and religious freedom. The war began when the Dutch sought independence from Spanish rule, which was marked by heavy taxation and the enforcement of Catholicism in a predominantly Protestant region. The war saw significant battles and the rise of key figures like William of Orange, who led the Dutch resistance. It ultimately resulted in the recognition of the Dutch Republic's independence through the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, marking a significant shift in European power dynamics.