Under the stress of the religious war which was also a class war, the last vestiges of union perished.

The States General ceased to have power to raise taxes or enforce decrees, and presently it was no more regarded.
Even William of Orange now abandoned his show of respect for the monarch and became wholly the champion of liberty and of the people.
[Sidenote: 1580] The States General recognized Anjou as their prince, but at the same time drew up a very republican constitution.

The representatives of the people were given not only the legislative but also the executive powers, including the direction of foreign affairs.
The States of the Northern Provinces formally deposed Philip, [Sidenote: Deposition of Philip, 1581] who could do nothing in reply.
A proclamation had already been issued offering 25,000 dollars and a patent of nobility to anyone who would assassinate Orange who was branded as "a traitor and rascal" and as "the enemy of the human race." [Sidenote: October 1, 1578] Don John, having died unlamented, was succeeded by Alexander Farnese, a son of the ex-regent Margaret {273} of Parma.

[Sidenote: Farnese, 1545-92] Though an Italian in temperament he united a rare diplomatic pliability with energy as a soldier.

Moreover, whereas his predecessors had despised the people they were sent to govern and had hated the task of dealing with them, he set his heart on making a success.