William of Orange, the staunch Protestant leader of the Dutch Revolt, survives the assassination attempt of 1584. This drastically alters the course of the Eighty Years' War and the broader European political landscape. Instead of succumbing to Balthasar Gérard's bullet, William lives to continue his fight against Spanish Habsburg rule.

The Netherlands: With William's continued leadership, the Dutch Republic's independence is secured far more swiftly and decisively. The lack of a unifying figurehead on the Protestant side after his death, a major factor in prolonging the war, is eliminated. William's military genius and political acumen ensure a more effective strategy, potentially leading to a quicker expulsion of Spanish forces from the Northern Netherlands. The resulting peace treaty would likely be far more favorable to the Dutch, possibly encompassing a larger territory and granting them greater autonomy in trade and governance. The Golden Age of the Netherlands might begin earlier and potentially be even more prosperous, due to the earlier establishment of a stable and independent state. The internal political dynamics within the Republic might also be different, with the absence of prolonged power struggles and the presence of a strong, experienced leader shaping the development of Dutch institutions and society.

Spain: The failure to eliminate William deals a significant blow to Philip II's ambitions in the Netherlands. The prolonged war drains Spanish resources even further, potentially impacting their ability to engage in other conflicts, such as the Anglo-Spanish War. The Spanish Empire's prestige suffers, and its authority in Europe is weakened. The loss of the Netherlands, a crucial source of wealth and manpower, could accelerate the decline of Spanish power and influence. Internal dissent within Spain might increase, as the failure in the Netherlands fuels criticism of Philip II's policies.

England and France: The ramifications extend beyond the Low Countries. The continued existence of William of Orange significantly impacts the relationship between England and the Netherlands. Elizabeth I, facing a weakened Spain, might find a stronger ally in a more powerful and independent Dutch Republic. This could alter the dynamics of the Anglo-Spanish War, potentially leading to a more decisive English victory or a different approach to the conflict altogether. The balance of power in Europe shifts, with France potentially finding itself in a more complex geopolitical situation, having to contend with a stronger Dutch Republic and a potentially weakened Spain. The French involvement in the Eighty Years' War might also be affected, depending on how William's survival alters the alliances and strategies of the various European powers.

Religious Conflicts: The Protestant Reformation in Europe is profoundly affected. William's continued leadership strengthens the Protestant cause, potentially leading to a different trajectory for the religious conflicts that plagued Europe during this period. The spread of Protestantism might be accelerated, or conversely, the Catholic Counter-Reformation might adopt different strategies in response to William's continued influence.

Long-Term Consequences: The butterfly effect of William's survival ripples through centuries. The political map of Europe, the development of nation-states, the course of colonialism, and even the rise of global trade could all be significantly different. The absence of the trauma and prolonged conflict associated with the Eighty Years' War could lead to a different social and cultural development in the Netherlands and across Europe. The very fabric of modern Europe might be woven from a different set of threads, shaped by the continued life and influence of William of Orange.