Zelensky Cites 'Tyranny' of Philip II, Reigniting 'Black Legend' Debate

Zelensky Cites 'Tyranny' of Philip II, Reigniting the Black Legend

Addressing the Dutch Parliament, Volodymyr Zelensky urged a halt to trade with Russia and requested more weapons for Kyiv. He appealed to his host nation's history: the Netherlands, he implied, was founded after the Eighty Years' War and its struggle «against the tyranny» of Philip II of Spain. The tweet from @EuroEFE captured the quote, which landed like a bombshell in Spain. Four centuries later, a dead king was back in the spotlight, spoken by a president in a short-sleeved shirt.

The Dutch Anthem Contradicts the Narrative

One of the counterarguments repeatedly mentioned in the thread comes not from a history book, but from the Dutch national anthem. The anthem includes the line "The King of Spain I have honored," which is used in the forum to dismantle the 'tyrant' label. Additionally, there's a correction: Holland is part of the Netherlands, in fact, the largest part. Some argue that if the anthem itself acknowledges loyalty to the Spanish monarch, the accusation of tyranny loses its edge.

The Rebellion Wasn't About Freedom or Democracy

Some argue that the revolt was not fought for freedom or democracy, but for power and religion. This objection is based on the fact that Calvinists persecuted Catholics wherever they ruled, and William of Orange eventually acted as the de facto authority in the northern provinces. Underlying this, some point out that the Black Legend continues to function as an interpretive framework for all things Spanish.

The Anecdote of the Duke of Alba and Two Gallows

Among the episodes recalled to contrast legend and reality is one that is almost comical: the Duke of Alba had three soldiers who had stolen some sheep draw lots for two gallows. The anecdote is cited in the thread.

From Historical Insult to Arms Bill

In the thread, the focus shifted from history to money. The conversation turned to arms shipments, the cost and taxes for sending aid, and a possible appearance by Zelensky before the Congress of Deputies (Spanish Parliament). There, it was warned, he might repeat his repertoire: mentioning Guernica and referencing Spanish companies. Some see this as pure marketing: a speech adapted to each parliament, asking for the same thing everywhere.

An Affront, Propaganda, or Simple Calculation

The controversy led to several interpretations. One sees the quote as a direct affront to Spain's history and the statesman under whom the empire reached its peak. Another, more cynical view, reduces it to well-advised war propaganda, intended to loosen European purse strings.

The Puzzling Detail

The striking thing isn't that Zelensky cites Philip II. It's that the quote still resonates. A speech to the Dutch Parliament makes headlines in Madrid with the Black Legend as a backdrop and an unresolved question: how much of what is discussed is history, and how much is war propaganda.