Rampjaar

The rampjaar ("disaster year") was the year 1672 in Dutch history. In that year, the United Provinces were attacked by England, France, Münster and Cologne. These invasions started the Franco-Dutch War. During the rampjaar, William III of Orange was appointed Stadtholder and the brothers Johan de Witt and Cornelis de Witt were assassinated by an Orange-loving crowd. William of Orange did not instigate it; he was away on business, though his absence certainly put Johann de Witt in danger. He was infuriated (according to the Encyclopædia Britannica) by the act, but because of the number of guilty persons, and the difficulties of the war during 1672, he did not bring the murderers to justice. He was reconciled to de Witt before he left The Hague.

Related Topics:
1672 - Dutch history - United Provinces - England - France - Münster - Cologne - Franco-Dutch War - William III of Orange - Stadtholder - Johan de Witt - Cornelis de Witt - Assassinated - Encyclopædia Britannica - The Hague

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