Why did Spain recognise the independence of the Netherlands in 1609?

<Tab/>By 1609, a great European power recognised the independence of rebellious sections of the Netherlands, a small part of its empire, having not been able to put the revolt down. To explain this, one must look at both Spanish weaknesses and Dutch strengths which prevented Spain from being able to commit sufficient resources to the Netherlands. However, we must ultimately look to Spanish rather than Dutch factors to explain why Spain …

…was therefore Empirical pressures on Spain that resulted in Spain recognising the Netherlands' independence. However, it was ultimately due to the decision of Philip III that their independence would be recognised in 1609. His priorities were very different to Philip II's, and he was not worried about Northern heretics in the same way as his predecessor. It was ultimately his decision, based on the other factors indicated, that brought Spain to recognising the Netherlands' independence in 1609.