REQUESENS, LUIS DE ZÚÑIGA Y

lwēs dā thooˈnyēgä ē rākāsānsˈ, 1528–76, Spanish general. Born into the highest nobility of Spain, he held high governmental and diplomatic posts and was chief adviser to John of Austria, with whom he took part in the battle of Lepanto (1571). In 1573, Philip II sent Requesens to the Netherlands to replace Alba as governor. Alba's terrorism had failed to subdue the Netherlanders, and Requesens at first tried to restore peace by negotiation. However, his overtures were rejected by William the Silent, so warfare continued. Requesens was beset by financial difficulties, which led his unpaid troops to mutiny, and, after the long and successful siege (1574) of Leiden, he once more made peace overtures to William, who again rejected them. Despite his difficulties, Requesens began a victorious campaign in Zeeland, but he died before he could consolidate his gains. He was succeeded as governor by John of Austria.

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