Peace of Mnster

The Peace of Münster was a treaty between the Lords States General of the Seven United Netherlands and the Spanish Crown. It was negotiated in parallel to, but not part of, the Peace of Westphalia. It marked the formal recognition of the independent Dutch Republic and the end of the Eighty Years' War. The treaty was ratified by king Philip IV in Madrid on 1 March, and by the Assembly of the States General in the Hague on 18 April. The States General narrowly approved the Treaty on 5 June. The Treaty was adopted in four copies, two in French and two in Dutch. Despite achieving independence, there was considerable opposition to the Treaty within the States and Provinces since it allowed Spain to retain the Southern Province. The Dutch East India Company and the West India Company were established as a result of the treaty. The Spanish government made a proposal aimed at making Amsterdam the staple market for Spanish silver. Dutch merchants would also benefit from the foreign upheavals of the English Civil War and gain on English trade in their American colonies. If the text doesn't mention something, leave it out. Do NOT invent references, emails, or links.