Which Protestant country gained its independence from Spanish control and established a prosperous empire?

Answer 1

the Netherlands (Holland)

Answer 2

Holland or Netherlands - The Dutch people
Known as the Spanish Netherlands, it consisted of present day Holland + Belgian, Luxembourg, Flanders (an area of Northern France), & a small area of Western Germany, these other areas were all predomanetly catholic.
Control was given to Spain when they seperated from the Hapsberg Empire (modern day Austria was the centre of this powerful empire that once controled the majority of Western Europe) in 1556.
After ten years of troubled rule & attempts to enforce catholism, serious riots began which led to an invasion in 1568 that began the Eighty Years War.
This war led to the bankruptcy of Spain & the loss of It's dominance of Western Europe.
Hostilities finally ceased in 1648 after the Battle of Lens when Spain signed the Treaty of Westphalia & recognised the United Provinces of the Netherlands as a Nation.

Answer 3

Holland

Answer 4

check out the following link i think it may hold the info you need.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Empire#Battle_of_Pavia_to_the_Peace_of_Augsburg_.281525.E2.80.931555.29