House of Orange-Nassau

The House of Orange-Nassau (in Dutch Oranje-Nassau), is a family that has played a central role in the political life of the Netherlands since William I of Orange (also known as "William the Silent" and "Father of the Fatherland") organised the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule, which after the Eighty Years' War led to an independent Dutch state.

The end of the republic

William died in 1751, leaving his three years old son Willem V as stadtholder. As Willem V was still a minor, the regents ruled for him.

Related Topics:
1751 - Willem V

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Unfortunately, the regents once again deliberately weakened the character of the future ruler, educating him to be indecisive. It would pursue Willem during his whole life.

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His marriage to Wilhelmina of Prussia relieved this flaw to some degree. Willem's inability to rule properly was a small factor in the collapse of the Dutch Republic, the larger issue being the corrupt regents. In 1787 he survived a coup from Patriots (democratic revolutionaries) after Prussia intervened.

Related Topics:
1787 - Prussia

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When the French invaded in 1795 he had to flee, and was never to return.

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After 1795 the House of Orange-Nassau faced a difficult period, surviving in exile at other European courts, especially those of Prussia and England. Willem V died in 1806.

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