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Republic at war: 1568 1813
The Dutch Republic at war: 1568 - 1813
1588
The Republic of the United Provinces
A huge Spanish fleet - the
Armada - is sunk in the waters round the British
Isles. Maurice, son of the assassinated William of
Orange, forces the Spanish onto the defensive and
captures a series of towns from them. In the Republic
of the United Provinces, a unique political system is
created, controlled by the leading figure of the day,
Grand Pensionary Johan van Oldenbarnevelt.Read more
1602
United East India Company
The United East India Company
(VOC) is set up on the initiative of Johan van
Oldenbarnevelt. In the course of the next century it
is destined to become the most successful commercial
undertaking in the world.Read more
1600 1700
The Golden Age
The Golden Age is the key
period in Dutch history. The newly-formed North Sea
mini-state, at once old-fashioned and hyper-modern,
experiences a period of unprecedented economic,
cultural and scientific development. The religious
freedom of the Republic attracts many immigrants
fleeing religious persecution elsewhere in Europe.
Amsterdam becomes a magnet for writers and scholars
unable to publish in their own countries.Read more
1609 1621
The Twelve Years' Truce
Twelve Years' Truce between
Spain and the Republic. After it expires, Frederick
Henry, son of William of Orange and Louise de
Coligny, achieves considerable military success
against SpainRead more
1648
The Treaty of Münster
Spain and the Republic conclude
the Treaty of Münster, part of the Peace of
Westphalia, under which Spain and the Holy Roman
Empire recognise the Republic as a free and sovereign
state. This puts an end to 80 years of war. The
Republic assumes an important role on the European
political stage.Read more
1672
Year of Disasters
France, Britain and the
bishoprics of Cologne and Münster declared war on the
Dutch Republic. William III was appointed Stadholder.
Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt was murdered by the
people of The Hague. At sea, Michiel de Ruyter
achieved notable victories against the combined
French and English navies.Read more
1688
The Glorious Revolution
Stadholder William III gives
Protestant England military assistance in deposing
the Catholic father of his wife, Mary Stuart. In 1689
William and Mary are crowned joint monarchs in
London.Read more
1702 1713
The War of the Spanish Succession
William III plays a major role
in political opposition to Louis XIV. The Republic
becomes involved in the War of the Spanish
Succession. The negotiations over the Peace of
Utrecht reveal that the Republic has lost its
standing as a great European power. William III dies
following a riding accident and a second
Stadholderless period begins.Read more
1747
Stadholder William IV
In 1747, following the second
Stadholderless period, William IV comes to power.
Four years later he is succeeded by his son, William
V. Neither is of much political significance to the
Republic.Read more
1781
The Patriot Movement
In France, the writings of
Rousseau and Voltaire usher in the Enlightenment. In
the Netherlands the Patriots advocate the
modernisation and democratisation of the mouldering
Republic. They clash with the supporters of the House
of Orange.Read more
1793
The Batavian Republic
In 1793, revolutionary France
declares war on the Republic, and two years later
occupies the Netherlands. The Patriots proclaim the
Batavian Republic and abolish the institutions of the
ancien régime. The Republic becomes a unitary state
with a modern constitutionRead more
1806 1810
The Napoleonic era
Napoleon's brother, Louis
Napoleon, is sent to reign over the 'Kingdom of
Holland'. He attempts to pursue an independent
course. But in 1810 Napoleon annexes the Kingdom of
Holland to France.Read more
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E-mail: webmaster@inghist.nl
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Prins Willem-Alexanderhof 5
Postbus 90755
2509 LT Den Haag
Tel.: (070) 315 64 00
Fax: (070) 385 40 98
E-mail: webmaster@inghist.nl
Internet: www.inghist.nl
