Generality Lands

The Generality Lands (Dutch: Generaliteitslanden), also translated as Lands of the Generality or Common Lands, were strongly Catholic territories of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands that were directly governed by the States-General. Unlike the seven provinces of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders, Overijssel, Friesland and Groningen, these territories had no States-Provincial and were not represented in the central government, despite making up about one fifth of the Republic's total territory. At the time of the Union of Utrecht, these territories were under Spanish control, and would only be conquered by the Dutch Republic throughout the course of the Eighty Years' War. From an economic point of view, they were exploited with heavy taxes and levies.