The Reformation in the Low Countries was not generally as widespread as it was in Germany. The main contributing factor to the slow progress was the repression of state and ecclesiastical authorities. 

However, despite this, the Reformation was introduced to the Low Countries early on. Holland and Flanders in particular attracted the new teachings, largely because they were urbanized areas with high literacy rates among the population. The Netherlands fostered a strong tradition of Christian Humanism thanks to scholars like Desidarius Eramsum. Interestingly Augustinian monasteries in the area were also hotbeds for spreading Lutheran ideas. 

Charles V, who was Holy Roman Emperor, King of Spain, and Sovereign of the Low Countries was a strong opponent of the Reformation. Between 1588 and 1522 a host of official measures were enacted that forced reformists into one of two caps - either they could continue to embrace their reformist views and face execution, or they could recant their faith and save their necks.