The Burgundian dukes of the fourteenth and fifteenth century added to their fiefs counties, dukedoms and bishoprics, around the nucleus of their first domain, until they had forged a compact and powerful realm.

[Sidenote: Philip the Good, 1419-67] Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy and lord, under various titles, of much of the Netherlands, deserved the title of _Conditor Belgii_ by his successful wars on France and by his statesmanlike policy of centralization.

To foster unity he created the States General--borrowing the name and function thereof from France--in which all of the seventeen provinces[1] of the Netherlands were represented on great occasions.

Continually increasing {235} in power with reference to the various localities, it remained subordinate to the prince, who had the sole right of initiating legislation.

At first it met now in one city, then in another, but after 1530 always convened at Brussels, and always used the French language officially.
[Sidenote: Charles the Bold, 1467-77] Charles the Bold completed and yet endangered the work of Philip, for he was worsted in mortal strife with Louis XI of France and, dying in battle, left his dominions to his daughter, Mary.