Five Brothers and a War

History—1600 to 1700 AD

holland

Frederik Hendrik van Oranje

In 1647, Willem II succeeded Frederik Hendrick, but was not effective in any way. A conflict with the provinces ensued, specifically regarding the size of the standing army needed in peacetime. During the ensuing debate, a test of wills ended with most provinces rejecting the need for a Stadhouder altogether. Willem II attempted to take the renegade city of Amsterdam by force with federal troops, but failed. Ultimately, the provinces capitulated though. Just then, Willem died of smallpox. His widow, Princess Royal Mary Stuart of England, gave birth to Willem III one week after Willem II’s death. Mary was the eldest daughter of King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland, and sister of King Charles II and King James II.

Five Brothers and a War

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