Five Brothers and a War

History—1600 to 1700 AD

The phenomenon of the Golden Age was known as the “Dutch Miracle”, where a very small and somewhat fragmented nation dominated entirely by a world power, quickly cast off its shackles and turned into a global bastion of commerce, military power, intellectualism and art. The creation of a large, powerful and prosperous merchant class contributed to the overall growth of the nation and its empire. Architectural design also blossomed because there was so much money, and so many people who wanted to spend that money—often on architecture and art. The effects of the Golden Age were astounding, not least because the Dutch had a transformation of their national identity. From that point forward, Holland has always had a level of influence that is out of proportion with its size. On the political side, the House of Oranje-Nassau transitioned from Filips Willem van Oranje, upon his death in 1618, to Maurits who assumed the title Prins van Oranje (“Prince of Orange”).

Maurits was the eldest son of Willem, by his second wife, Anna of Saxony. Maurits was, like his father, an accomplished military leader who won significant battles against the Spanish during the course of the 80-year war. On the flip-side, he was also a very heavy drinker, and died of liver disease. He left children, though none legitimate, so the princedom passed to Frederik Hendrik (“Frederick Henry”), another half brother, though this time from Willem’s fourth marriage. This transition occurred in 1625.

holland

Prins Maurits van Oranje

Five Brothers and a War

Page 74