During its existence, the Calvinist Republic of Ghent (1577–1584) was riddled with internal strife between the factions surrounding the intolerant radical Calvinist Jan van Hembyze and the more moderate, Orangist (that is, sympathising with William the Silent, Prince of Orange) François van der Kethulle, lord of Ryhove, while Spanish and Malcontent troops made increasing territorial gains from 1578 onward.

However, the two lost all their authority in Ghent when they persisted in trying to reconcile with Francis, Duke of Anjou, after the latter's violent "French Fury" coup attempt in January 1583.

[6] On 3 November, Parma bribed the starving English garrison (in Dutch rebel service) of Aalst into surrendering the city in exchange for food and overdue troop payments.

Catholicism was restored as the official religion, while about 15,000 inhabitants abandoned the city, including thousands of Calvinists who primarily migrated to Holland.

[13] With the except of Ostend, the revolt was over in Flanders, and by the time Maurice of Nassau conducted his campaign towards Dunkirk, leading to the Battle of Nieuwpoort (1600), the Flemish populace did not support him.