Frederick Henry's Meuse campaign

Background

The Union of Utrecht was proclaimed in 1579. Philip II then sent the Duke of Parma as governor, who reconquered large parts of the Netherlands, notably taking Maastricht by siege. In 1588, Maurice, Frederick's half-brother, became Prince of Orange and, after military reforms, recaptured much of Parma's gains except the cities later taken in this campaign. Frederick Henry's capture of 's-Hertogenbosch in 1629, his greatest achievement, removed the last Spanish-held city blocking his advance and enabled the offensive.

Campaign

The Siege of Venlo, the first major action, lasted from 1 June until 4 June, when the garrison capitulated. The Siege of Roermond ran from 2 June to 5 June; a Dutch force of 20,000 men faced a Spanish garrison of about 300 and forced its capitulation. However, the Dutch suffered a heavy loss when Ernest Casimir was shot and killed while inspecting a trench shortly after arriving at Roermond on 2 June. After Venlo fell, Frederick Henry heard of Ernest's death and arrived at Roermond with his entire army on 4 June.

That same morning, Roermond's officials met at the town hall to discuss surrender; that afternoon a letter of surrender was presented. The city capitulated the next day under conditions: Roermond had to provide a church for Protestants; all civilians were protected in their privileges and ancient origins; public Catholic practice and city income were respected; and the garrison left for Rheinberg. Frederick entered the city on 6 June, and mayor Bossman presented him the keys at the local market.

The Siege of Maastricht, the last and most major action, lasted from 9 June to 22 August. The Dutch States Army, led by Frederick and Horace Vere, fought combined Spanish and Imperial forces and successfully besieged the city, bringing it under Dutch control.

Aftermath

The Dutch campaign succeeded, but Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand's 1637 counter-offensive retook Venlo and Roermond for Spain. This move isolated Maastricht and ended Dutch operations from the Meuse. A 1634 Spanish siege of Maastricht had failed. The campaign gave the Dutch full control of Maastricht, which became a key fortress and faced sieges in 1673, 1676, 1748, 1793, and 1794.