William I of Orange, known as William the Silent, was a pivotal figure in the struggle for Dutch independence during the Eighty Years' War against Spanish rule. His leadership rallied various factions in the Netherlands against the oppressive policies of the Spanish Crown, especially under King Philip II. On July 10, 1584, William's life was cut short when Balthasar Gérard, a French loyalist and assassin, entered his home in Delft, armed with a pistol. Gérard, believing that killing William would curtail the Dutch rebellion and restore peace under Spanish governance, approached William under the pretense of seeking an audience. In a surprising act, Gérard shot William at close range, mortally wounding him. The assassination unfolded in the rooms of William’s residence, transforming a domestic space into a scene of political turmoil and violence.

The aftermath of the assassination saw a profound impact on the Dutch resistance. William's death created a leadership vacuum and intensified fears among his supporters about the future of the rebellion. It also galvanized many against the Spanish, leading to increased support for the Dutch cause. William was posthumously revered as a martyr for the independence struggle, and his contributions were immortalized in various forms of art and literature. This significant act of violence did not end the Revolt; instead, it inspired a more fervent resistance against Spanish control, further catalyzing the struggle for independence in the coming years.