Geuzen may derive from the Frenchgueux ("beggars"); the name was probably given by their enemies.
The Watergeuzen consisted of a host of various nobles, intellectuals, merchants, fishermen and countless refugees. From 1568 the rebel Prince William of Orange tried to win the Watergeuzen for his cause. To this end he authorized them to conduct raids and pillage with a letter of marque (making them privateers, not pirates).
The salient moment in history for the Watergeuzen came when they succeeded in capturing Den Briel on April 1, 1572, effectively sealing off the Meuse from the Spaniards.
Note
In this period before the existence of a Netherlands nation state, "Netherlands" or "Low Countries" referred to an area embracing both the modern-day Netherlands and modern-day Belgium. The Northern Netherlands comprised more or less what we now know as the Netherlands, whereas The Southern Netherlands included Belgium. (See also History of the Netherlands.)
The Watergeuzen (or simply Geuzen) were a fleet of privateers during the Eighty Years' War, the Low Countries' (or Netherlands') rebellion against the Spanish occupation, which began during the reign of Philip II of Spain (in the 1550s).
Geuzen may derive from the French gueux ("beggars"); the name was probably given by their enemies.
The Watergeuzen consisted of a host of various nobles, intellectuals, merchants, fishermen and countless refugees.
Orange was not too habby with this action as the Watergeuzen had attacked too early in the year and could have provoked the complete failure of his plan.
The Geuzen occupied the city on their own initiative "in de name of the prince" (Prince of Orange).
De geuzen namen op eigen houtje de stad in en eisten de stad op in naam van "den prins" (Prins van Oranje).
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