Maurice of Nassau, Prince of Orange

Maurice of Nassau (in Dutch Maurits van Nassau) (14 November 1567 – 23 April 1625), Prince of Orange (1618–1625), son of William the Silent and Princess Anna of Saxony, was born at the castle of Dillenburg. He was named for his maternal grandfather, the Elector Maurice of Saxony.

Maurice and Oldenbarnevelt

Maurice started out as the protégé of Landsadvocaat (Country Advocate, a kind of secretary) Johan van Oldenbarnevelt. But gradually tensions rose between these two men. Against Maurice's advice, and despite his protests, Van Oldenbarnevelt decided to sign the Twelve Year Truce with Spain, which lasted from 1609 - 1621. The required funds to maintain the army and navy, and the general course of the war were other topics of constant struggle.

Related Topics:
Johan van Oldenbarnevelt - Twelve Year Truce - 1609 - 1621

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With the religious troubles between Gomarists (Calvinist) and Arminians, the struggle between Van Oldenbarnevelt and Maurice reached a climax. Van Oldenbarnevelt was decapitated despite numerous requests for mercy.

Related Topics:
Gomarists - Calvinist - Arminians

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Maurice urged his brother Frederick Henry to marry in order to preserve the dynasty.

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In 1621 the war resumed, and the Spanish, led by Ambrosio Spinola, had notable successes, including the recapture of Breda in 1625. Maurice died shortly thereafter.

Related Topics:
1621 - Ambrosio Spinola - Breda

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