Stadholder William II of Orange Nassau does not die in1650 (revised)

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In the year 1650, William II of Orange Nassau, the influential stadholder of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Overijssel, Gelre, Zutphen, Groningen, and Drenthe, found himself at a pivotal moment in Dutch history. Having just concluded a successful intimidation campaign, where he displayed his military might by visiting various cities with the State Army, he managed to gain control over the State General, the highest governing body of the Dutch Republic. Despite a failed attempt to occupy Amsterdam, William's authority was firmly established, and he swiftly dealt with republican opponents by either arresting them or stripping them of their power in the cities of Holland. (1)
As autumn descended upon the Dutch landscape, William II, looking forward to a well-deserved hunting season at castle Loo near Apeldoorn, found himself continually delayed by pressing affairs in The Hague. What were meant to be days turned into weeks, and before he knew it, November had arrived. Consequently, he decided to stay at the opulent palace Nieuburch, near The Hague.

(Notably, in our timeline, William II moved to Gelre's castle Loo in October for hunting but fell ill with smallpox or chickenpox, ultimately succumbing to his illness on November 6th.)

On the 14th of November, Mary Stuart, the wife of stadholder William II of Orange Nassau, gave birth to a son, ushering in a new era for the House of Orange.

1651 brought with it a period of winter feasting and diplomatic maneuvering. William II saw the need for strategic alliances, and it was during these months that he sought to establish a significant alliance with France. This diplomatic move aimed to mirror real historical events where France, led by Cardinal Mazarin, was embroiled in domestic unrest known as the Second Fronde.

The situation in France had been unstable for some time, with the Second Fronde marked by political turmoil and power struggles within the French aristocracy. Cardinal Mazarin, the Chief Minister of France, recognized an opportunity to disrupt the influence of the Spanish Habsburg dynasty and divert French attention to external matters. It was in this climate of turmoil and intrigue that William II of Orange Nassau found an opening for alliance discussions with France.

The treaty between the Dutch Republic and France was not only a strategic move by William II but also a lifeline for Cardinal Mazarin, in his domestic struggles. By aligning with the Dutch, Mazarin hoped to strengthen his position at home and challenge the dominant Spanish Habsburgs in Europe.

This alliance marked a turning point in European politics and set the stage for significant developments in the years to come, both within the Dutch Republic and on the broader European stage.

(1) The core of the power strugle between the young Stadholder and the State general came down on the Patriciens of Holland and in particular of Amsterdam, centered around the families, De Graaf and Pauw. This families wanted to decrease the size of the State Army. It was the State of Holland who decided to reduce the State Army while the majority of the State General was against this, which was a violation of the agrements of the Union of Uthrecht. The State of Holland was acting on their own and dictating their will to the other States ( Provinces)

The State of Holland's Political Dominance: The province of Holland, in which Amsterdam was located, was the most populous and economically powerful province within the Dutch Republic. Within Holland, Amsterdam was not only the largest city but also the wealthiest. The State of Holland, with its capital in The Hague, was a crucial political entity within the Republic. It had a strong voice in the States General, the central governing body of the Dutch Republic.

The political structure of the Dutch Republic was decentralized, with considerable power resting in the provincial States. However, the State of Holland, given its economic clout, often played a leading role in national affairs. This position allowed it to exert influence over other provinces, creating tension and rivalries.

 

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In the year 1651, the Dutch Republic embarked on a series of transformative actions that would reshape its overseas territories and strengthen its alliances on the European stage.

The entire year of 1651 was dedicated to two primary objectives: securing an agreement with France and bolstering the Dutch State Army. Within the State General, however, opposition arose regarding the financing of the army, ultimately resulting in the decision to forgo any military campaigns that year.

Meanwhile, overseas, the Dutch Republic pursued an offensive strategy. The situation in Brazil, known as New Holland, was particularly dramatic, with the Dutch struggling to maintain their hold on the colony.

In North America, the West India Company's rule over New Netherland, Nova Belgica, hindered the growth and prosperity of these settlements.
Adriaan van der Docnk, a representative dispatched to the Netherlands by the Council of Twelve, the city council of New Amsterdam, to plead against the harsh rule of the WIC, managed to secure a private audience with Stadholder Prince Willem II. The circumstances surrounding how Adriaan van der Docnk secured this meeting with the Stadholder remain somewhat mysterious, but the implications for the overseas territory were profound.
Prince Willem II's extended leadership played a pivotal role in reshaping the fate of Nova Belgica. The meeting with Adriaan van der Docnk provided a unique opportunity for the Stadholder to gain firsthand insights into the struggles faced by the Dutch colonists in North America.
Prince Willem II, recognizing the strategic importance of the New Netherland colony and the potential for its growth, decided to take a more active role in its governance. He intervened in negotiations between the Council of Twelve and the WIC, pushing for reforms that would be more favorable to the colonists.

The situation in Brazil, known as New Holland, was particularly dramatic, with the Dutch struggling to maintain their hold on the colony.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation in Dutch Brazil, the State General intervened, declaring it a state affair. In response, they decided that the West India Company (WIC) should vacate New Netherland, thereby opening the coast to other merchants and shipping owners. Key settlements like New Amsterdam and several other hamlets were granted extensive city rights and far reaching autonomy under their elected city councils. New Amsterdam, for instance, formed a council of twelve to govern itself. Peter Stuyvesant lost his position as gouvernor, he declined other functions offered by the WIC and he spent the remainder of his life on his farm, Stuyvesant Farm, of sixty-two acres outside the city, called the Great Bouwerie, beyond which stretched the woods and swamps of the village of Nieuw Haarlem.

This pivotal decision was made possible by the persuasive efforts of Stadholder Prince Willem II, who successfully convinced his uncle, Johan Marurits van Nassau Siegen, to return as the governor, despite strong opposition from the WIC.

Johan Marurits van Nassau Siegen, a seasoned colonial administrator, accepted the proposal put forth by the State General. However, he made a decisive stipulation to ensure his effective governance. Drawing from his earlier experiences in Brazil, Marurits van Nassau Siegen insisted on wielding absolute power, free from the constraints of a civil council. He believed that this autonomy was crucial for effective leadership and swift decision-making.

In late September of that year, Marurits van Nassau Siegen embarked on a monumental journey, departing with a formidable fleet of twenty ships. Leading this expedition was the renowned Zeelandic Admiral Cornelis Evertsen, who had earned a reputation for his skillful naval command. Accompanied by a contingent of soldiers, Marurits van Nassau Siegen set sail for South America, ready to reassert Dutch influence and authority in the region.

 

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In the year 1652, the Dutch Republic, bolstered by its alliance with France, prepared to make its move in late May. The target: the Southern Netherlands. However, this decision was not without its challenges. Cardinal Mazarin, the astute chief minister of France, and the young King of France Louis XIV, found themselves frustrated by ongoing troubles within the French aristocracy, the Fronde, which diverted attention from external affairs. Additionally, the situation was complicated by the success of Leopold of Habsburg, the Lord Protector of the Spanish Netherlands, who had recently besieged Gravenlines near Dunkirk during the previous year.

Nonetheless, on June 3rd, the Dutch State Army launched its long-anticipated offensive. This formidable force, comprising close to 60,000 troops, adopted a strategic approach reminiscent of historical military campaigns. Thre were tow smaller armies securing the right and left flank of the main body. One army, consisting of 15,000 soldiers, crossed the river Scheld North of fort Lillo,. The bulk of the force, numbering 20,000, moved along the River Scheldt at the east bank, starting their advance from Bergen op Zoom. An additional 15,000 troops were stationed to protect the campaign's right flank, with their base at Breda moving to Turnhout and after the city of Lier.

 

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Spring of 1652 was a pivotal juncture in European history, marked by unexpected and dynamic actions by Prince Willem II of the Dutch Republic. His decisions sent shockwaves through the Commonwealth of England, led by Oliver Cromwell, and set the stage for a complex geopolitical drama.

Dutch Dominance and English Concerns: In the years leading up to 1652, the Dutch Republic had emerged as a formidable maritime and economic power, dominating trade routes and challenging England's traditional naval supremacy. Within England, mounting concerns over Dutch shipping and trade dominance had sparked a sense of urgency. Pressure was building on Oliver Cromwell and his administration to address this issue, with some advocating for a confrontational stance, including the possibility of war with the Dutch Republic.

Adding a layer of complexity to this geopolitical chessboard was the fact that Prince Willem II, now at the helm of Dutch leadership, was not just any leader. He was the son-in-law of the executed English King, creating an intricate familial connection between the two nations.

A Common Enemy Emerges: However, the situation took an unexpected turn. Willem II, as Stadholder of the Dutch Republic, found himself leading an army engaged in fierce combat against a common adversary: the Catholic forces of Spain. This shared enemy presented a diplomatic dilemma for Cromwell and the Commonwealth. They had to navigate a delicate balance between their concerns over Dutch economic dominance and the practical benefits of forming an alliance with the Dutch in their collective struggle against Spain.

Diplomatic Maneuvers:
This unexpected development posed a complex diplomatic dilemma for Cromwell and the Commonwealth. They found themselves at a crossroads, forced to weigh their concerns over Dutch economic hegemony against the pragmatic benefits of forging an alliance with the Dutch in their fight against a shared adversary.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the delicate balancing act required in this diplomatic juggling act, England acted swiftly. An embassy was hastily dispatched to the Dutch Republic with the crucial task of engaging in negotiations with Stadholder Prince Willem II. The primary objective of this diplomatic mission was to explore the possibility of reaching favorable terms or a comprehensive treaty that could potentially avert a full-blown conflict between the two formidable maritime powers.

These negotiations were far more than just a diplomatic exercise; they represented a critical moment in Anglo-Dutch relations.
The diplomatic initiative was fraught with challenges. The negotiations would require navigating a delicate balance between addressing England's concerns over Dutch economic hegemony and recognizing the practical benefits of forming an alliance with the Dutch against their common enemy, Spain.

The tension between economic interests, familial ties, and the strategic imperatives of the day created a complex tapestry of motivations and considerations. As the diplomats from England and the Dutch Republic gathered around the negotiating table, the fate of nations hung in the balance, and the decisions made in those crucial moments of two maritime powers and their roles on the international stage.

 

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In the summer of 1652, the Dutch Republic, under the leadership of Prince Willem II and his capable commanders, launched a military campaign that would significantly reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Southern Netherlands.

The Habsburg garrisons stationed south of State Flanders, just north of the important cities of Bruges and Ghent, were taken by surprise and overwhelmed by Dutch troops. Under the command of Friesian stadholder Willem Frederik van Nassau-Dietz, the Scheldt army moved swiftly, capturing key cities like Damme, Bruges, Oostende, and Nieuwpoort through daring coups and frontal assaults.

Simultaneously, the main Dutch force under William II followed a similar path to that of his father Frederik and his uncle Willem in 1638. However, this time, forts and strongholds on the west side of the River Scheldt were captured by troops landed from ships. The fortifications directly in front of the city, T'Veer and Isabella, were taken after a brief siege. The fall of these fortifications left Antwerp vulnerable to attack or bombardment from the riverside, effectively isolating the city. The city council of Antwerp ultimately requested terms and surrendered, except for the Habsburg garrison in the citadel of Antwerp.

From Breda, a flanking force of fifteen thousand men under Lodewijk Nassau van Beverweerd, a relative of Prince Maurits, advanced towards Turnhout and Lier. Meanwhile, Willem II moved to Dendermonde, where the determined Habsburg garrison fiercely defended the city.

Leopold of Austria, the lord protector of the Spanish Netherlands, responded by relocating his army from Gravelines, which he had recently captured, to confront Willem Frederik. The two armies clashed at Nieuwpoort, engaging in several skirmishes. Willem Frederik's troops assumed defensive positions and managed to withstand and repel the Habsburg forces. Leopold, recognizing the need to regroup and gather additional resources, retreated to Brussels.

In July, Leopold launched an attack against Prince Willem II's forces, which were besieging Dendermonde. The Battle of Dendermonde took a decisive turn in favor of the Dutch thanks to the timely intervention of the reserve and the reinforcement led by Lodewijk Nassau. Leopold's army suffered a crushing defeat, losing a significant portion of its forces, forcing him to retreat to Brussels. Consequently, Dendermonde sought terms and surrendered.

Following the battle and the occupation of Dendermonde, Prince Willem II's army continued its advance, capturing Aalst and Oudenaarde after brief sieges in late August. Simultaneously, Willem Frederik, with the assistance of naval blockade, laid siege to Dunkirk, eventually capturing it after a six-week ordeal. Courtrai and Ypres also surrendered on negotiated terms. In early September, William II initiated a siege on Mons, which ultimately fell to Dutch forces later that month. Meanwhile, Lodewijk Nassau besieged Mechelen, which held out until September before surrendering on negotiated terms.

By the time the campaign season concluded in October 1652, William II and his cousin had successfully captured nearly the entire county of Flanders, marking a significant territorial gain for the Dutch Republic and altering the balance of power in the region.

 

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In the winter of 1652 and 1653, both the Spanish Crown and the Dutch Republic faced significant challenges in maintaining their military campaigns and securing funding for their armies.

For the Spanish, the situation was dire as they desperately sought funds to reinforce their Army of Flanders, but their efforts yielded limited success. Leopold, who had been facing mounting criticism even before the hostilities, found himself in a precarious position. He had lost the trust of the Spanish court, and negative and biased reports were sent to Madrid regarding his leadership and the war's outcome. The dramatic results of the war provided the pretext for his removal from office. In his place, Juan II of Austria, the bastard son of King Philip IV, was chosen as his replacement and arrived in March. This leadership change signified a shift in the Spanish strategy.

On the Dutch side, William II encountered difficulties in replenishing the State army. The campaign had taken its toll in terms of battle casualties, disease, and desertion, making it challenging for the Captains of the companies to replace these losses. The funding structure exacerbated the issue, as losses were seen as a financial liability for the Captains. They incurred losses when a soldier passed away, and it required an investment for the Captain to find a replacement. The State General only reimbursed the Captains after the first mustering, a process that could take weeks.

In May 1653, as the situation unfolded, Bernard von Galen led his mercenary army of 12,000 into Overijssel. William II was forced to confront this threat and moved Willem Frederik van Nassau-Dietz northward. While roughly 20,000 men of the State Army moved north, Juan II took the initiative and advanced to Dendermonde, laying siege to the city.

William II managed to defeat Juan II at the second battle of Dendermonde, while Frederik encountered Bernard von Galen. Instead of engaging in direct combat, Frederik strategically crossed the Meuse near Roermond and moved through Spanish Gelre, passing through the city of Venlo, and ultimately laying siege to Rheinberg, which was close to the Prince Bishop's own territory. This maneuver forced Bernard von Galen to retreat from the Dutch Republic. After capturing Rheinberg, Frederik crossed the Rhine and advanced to Bocholt. The Prince Bishop attempted to prevent this move by attacking Frederik. However, Bernard von Galen's mercenary army proved unreliable and fractured during the battle. Unable to lift the siege, Bernard von Galen had to admit defeat. In the meantime, Lodewijk Nassau successfully captured Cambrai after a two-week siege when the city surrendered on negotiated terms.

Following these events in August, the decision was made to consolidate territories rather than undertake any large campaigns. During the ensuing winter, a solution to the State Army's replacement problem was implemented. The Captains of the companies were compensated by the State General for their losses, roughly 30 guilders for a foot soldier and around 100 guilders for a soldier with a horse. This financial support relieved the Captains of their liabilities and allowed them to focus more on military affairs, contributing to the overall readiness of the Dutch State Army.

 

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During the winter of 1653 and 1654, a series of dramatic events unfolded at the court in Brussels, which would ultimately reshape the political landscape of the Southern Netherlands.

Juan II, the new Lord Protector, quickly made a name for himself, but for all the wrong reasons. His extravagant and lavish court lifestyle, characterized by excessive spending on feasts and entertainment, contrasted sharply with the precarious state of affairs in the region. His incapability and negligence were notably evident during the defeat of the Habsburg army of Flanders at the second Battle of Dendermonde.

As the Dutch military campaign unfolds, the State General of the Spanish Netherlands recognizes the futility of continuing the fight against the formidable Dutch Republic. In February, members of the State General and other nobles of the Spanish Netherlands took matters into their own hands. t. Faced with mounting pressure, incapable support from Madrid, dwindling resources, and a populace weary of war, the State General takes the unprecedented step of surrendering the entire Spanish Netherlands to the Dutch Republic.

They initiated contact with Stadholder Willem II, whose winter quarters were in Antwerp at the time. The envoy representing the Spanish Netherlands eventually presented a proposal for complete surrender to the Stadholder and the State General of the Seven Provinces, under specific terms. These terms would later become known as the "Agreement of Antwerp." The agreement addressed various aspects, including the status of the States or Provinces in the former Spanish Netherlands and religious matters. In essence, it laid the foundation for the unity of almost the entire former Burgundian Netherlands. Importantly, it also reduced the power of Holland within the broader context of the Netherlands.

After the signing of the Agreement of Antwerp, Willem II made his way to Brussels in April, where he received a triumphant welcome confirming his victory. Juan II, on the other hand, had been expelled from the city a week earlier.

Throughout the summer, the Agreement of Antwerp underwent expansion and detailed negotiations. Representatives from both the State General of the former Spanish Netherlands and the State General of the former Seven Provinces convened in the grand hall of the Coudenberg Palace in Brussels. Under the watchful presence of Stadholder Willem II and his State Army, they applied pressure on the provincial members to reach a consensus.

The outcome was the signing of the Union of Brussels on July 26th, coincidentally the same day, 73 years later, as the Act of Seclusion. The Union of Brussels formed the basis of a relatively centralized state structure for these provinces. It marked a significant departure from their previous independence, a historical irony not lost on many, considering that the Union of Brussels was nearly the opposite of what the Eighty Years' War had been initiated for.

Philips IV the Spanish King, acknowledging the reality on the ground and eager to bring an end to hostilities, formally signs a peace treaty with the Dutch Republic, in the autumn of 1654. The terms of this treaty include the cession of the entire former Spanish Netherlands to the Dutch Republic. The Spanish King, recognizing the significance of this concession, also inderectly recognize the legitimacy of Stadholder Prince Willem II as the leader of the Dutch Republic.

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The naval conflict during the war between the Habsburg Spanish Empire and the Dutch Republic, between 1652 and 1654,. The Dutch naval forces faced significant challenges on the high seas. Despite their triumphs on land, the Dutch struggled to assert themselves in naval encounters.

At sea, the Dutch navy encountered a series of obstacles as they engaged the Spanish armada. In several skirmishes, the Dutch ships were compelled to withdraw to avoid outright defeat. The Spanish armada launched numerous near-successful attempts to capture Dutch trade convoys, and only the vigilant protection of Dutch war vessels prevented these losses. Importantly, these setbacks were not the result of poor leadership at sea or a lack of courage among Dutch sailors. Instead, they were primarily attributed to two crucial factors: the sale of purpose-built warships before the outbreak of hostilities and the state of disrepair of the Dutch fleets due to pervasive corruption within the naval administration.

The Confederate navies of the Dutch Republic, under the command of illustrious figures such as Admiral Maarten Tromp, played a pivotal role in the conflict. Tragically, Tromp met his demise in a fierce battle with the Spanish, leaving a void in leadership. In the wake of this loss, Vice Admiral Witte de With, who had been granted amnesty and a chance to redeem himself, emerged as a prominent figure. Additionally, other sea heroes of the 17th century stepped up to contribute their leadership, skill, and valor in these turbulent times.

The salvation of the Dutch naval forces came in the form of a strategic alliance with the English. This partnership with the English navy proved invaluable. It offered the Dutch crucial insights into naval warfare, revealing the inadequacy of their smaller warships compared to the larger and more formidable English vessels when engaged against the Spanish ships.

Remarkably, while the English focused their naval efforts primarily on the Caribbean, as envisioned in Cromwell's West Indies design, the Dutch navigated a different course. The West India Company (WIC), returning to its primary role as a privateering company, underwent a resurgence in its successful corsair activities. The Dutch East India Company (VOC), on the other hand, also experienced success in privateering ventures in Asia.

 

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Charles Stuart, the English pretender in exile, found himself forced to leave both the Dutch Republic and France, as both nations had aligned themselves with Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth. Seeking refuge, Charles ultimately found sanctuary in Spain.

In 1656, Charles Stuart negotiated the Treaty of Madrid with Spain (analogous to the historical Treaty of Brussels in our timeline). This treaty not only secured Spanish support for his restoration but also committed Charles to contribute to the Spanish war effort against France. Charles's efforts to rebuild his claim to the English throne involved assembling a ragtag army composed of his exiled subjects. This small and underfunded force, characterized by its lack of proper equipment and discipline, would go on to form the foundation of the post-Restoration English army.

By 1659, the envoys of the Dutch Republic joined in the signing of the Treaty of the Pyrenees. This treaty effectively endorsed the terms laid out in the earlier Treaty of Brussels and marked the official cession of all Spanish possessions in the Netherlands to the Dutch Republic. In their negotiations with France, an additional agreement was reached. As per this accord, the County of Arras was ceded to France, but a portion of the territory, specifically the city of Saint-Omer and its surroundings, was kept by Dutch Republic, since it was conquerd by the Dutch Army

Interestingly, this territorial adjustment was more of Cardinal Mazarin's vision and faced strong opposition from the young King Louis XIV, who preferred to retain control over the entirety of the County of Arras, including Saint-Omer.

 

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Stadholder William II of Orange-Nassau emerged as a capable military leader, a fortuitous position made even more advantageous by the fact that his opponent, Leopold of Austria, was ambivalent about his role in the ongoing conflict, and Juan II was incapable and the resources from Madrid scarce. This dynamic played a significant role in the swift conquest of the Southern Netherlands.

To consolidate his influence within the greatly expanded Dutch Republic, Prince William II and his advisors embarked on a strategic move. They sought to enhance the power of the Council of States at the expense of the State General. The State General had grown substantially with the addition of the Southern Netherlands provinces, the unification of Brabant, and the newfound independence of cities such as Bruges and Ghent. This independence, fostered by William II, aimed to garner greater support in the South.

By elevating the Council of States to the primary ruling authority, Prince William II effectively reversed the changes implemented by Johan van Oldenbarneveldt during the formative years of the Republic in the 16th century. In the State General of the Seven Provinces the Province of Holland and Amsterdam, forced their will to the other members of the State general in most cases only to the interst of Holland and Amsterdam.
By reducing the State General of the now Seventeen Provinces in favour of the Council of States the power of Amsterdam and Hollands dramaticly watered down. And with this Prince Willem II reduced their opposition to him.

While the new reality in the South granted religious freedom to Protestants, it did not result in immediate religious conflict. In many cases, Protestant congregations, when their cities were occupied, opted not to use the largest churches, instead preferring their own places of worship or small former Catholic chapels. Pragmatically, this choice was driven by the small size of Protestant congregations, making it economically unviable to maintain large churches. Moreover, these congregations were cautious about disrupting the religious balance within their cities. Consequently, religious tensions were largely absent from the region.

Additionally, most monasteries in the South remained untouched, though they were subjected to a taxation, and in Flanders and psrt of Brabant nearly half of their lands were confiscated during the conflict, ostensibly as a form of war taxation.

The new reality also brought an economic resurgence. Trade flourished, thanks to the reopening of the Scheldt River for Antwerp, the canal to Ghent, and the Zwin for Bruges. These developments aimed to reduce the influence of Holland and, in particular, Amsterdam even more. The sudden economic growth helped quell any misgivings and religious animosities, which were primarily fomented by the Catholic clergy.

In the North, the new reality faced opposition, particularly from Holland and Amsterdam, and initially from Zeeland and Utrecht. However, over time, the other provinces began to reap the benefits of not solely pursuing the interests of Holland and Amsterdam. They realized that their own interests could now find a voice within the Republic.

Trade patterns shifted with the Atlantic trade being gradually dominated by Antwerp and other Southern cities, while the Baltic trade remained a stronghold of Amsterdam and the smaller Northern cities. While the trade on the Mediteranian gradually become equally devided. The Asian trade remained nearly monopolized by the former Republic cities due to the absence of a chamber of the VOC (Dutch East India Company) presence.

The participation of Flemish cities in Atlantic trade had a positive impact on Dutch trade and plantation colonies in North and South America. Settlements such as Tobago, also known as Nieuw Walcheren, experienced an influx of Europeans and witnessed new settlements. Dutch Brazil, pacified once again and under the governance of Johan Maurits Siegen, thrived with increased trade, investments, plantations, and settlers. Smaller settlements expanded significantly, and New Amsterdam in North America, along with other self-governing settlements freed from WIC restrictions, attracted settlers drawn by opportunities and a climate reminiscent of Europe