Why was Maurice of Nassau a respected military figure?

            Maurice of Nassau was a Dutch general and statesman. In 1585, he was made the chief executive of the northern provinces of the Netherlands. Maurice consolidated the power of the provinces against Spain, and made them trade and shipping centres. Under his guidance, the power and wealth of the republic rapidly increased, and the Dutch East India Company was formed.

            Maurice used military planning and siege warfare to defeat Spanish forces. He made the Dutch army the most modern in Europe. He created a system of proper military training for officers, particularly in the technical branches. On the death of his elder brother Philip William, in 1618, Maurice became the Prince of Orange. He was now supreme in the state, and effectively the King of the Netherlands.