17th-century Netherlands was a time of political turmoil and social upheaval. One of the most striking events of this chaotic period was the tragic death of Johan de Witt and his brother Cornelis. The story of the brothers defeated by their people was not only a murder but also a bloody demonstration of the society’s trust in its own leaders. So how and why was Johan de Witt killed?
Johan de Witt, Golden Age of the Dutch Republic He was one of the most powerful political figures in the country during the period known as . As a statesman, he carried out successful reforms, strengthened the economy and made the Netherlands a world leader in the field of maritime.
However, despite all these achievements The end of Johan de Witt He came with a brutal lynching. The reasons and details behind this tragic event took their place in the dark pages of history.
Johan de Witt was elected to the Grand Pensionary, the highest position in the Netherlands, in 1653.
His reforms and maritime policies strengthened the country economically and militarily. However, the rise of de Witt led to the emergence of a strong monarchy in the Netherlands. Orange-Nassau Dynasty It also brought about conflict between This group supported Prince William III and viewed Johan de Witt’s Republican policies as dangerous.
By 1672, difficult times began for the Netherlands.
Holland; He faced attacks from England, France and the Bishopric of Münster. During this difficult period, the public began to become dissatisfied with de Witt’s rule. In the same year, Johan de Witt his brother Cornelis, He was arrested and tortured, accused of a false conspiracy.
While Johan de Witt was trying to get his brother released, he was also a was subjected to an assassination attempt but he survived.
The atrocity took place on 20 August 167.
The release of Cornelis de Witt from prison and his subsequent public appearance with Johan de Witt sparked the tragedy. The angry crowd gathered in The Hague attacked the de Witt brothers. attacked brutally.
The crowd lynched two brothers to death and then He dismembered their corpses. The most frightening detail of this brutality is – according to some sources – the claim that the crowd also ate the flesh of the Witt brothers. This event occurred in Dutch history “Rampjaar” It is remembered as one of the darkest moments of the catastrophic year of 1672, known as 1672.
The tragic death of Johan de Witt and his brother was engraved as a deep wound in the political history of the Netherlands. This event marks not only the fall of a leader but also the fall of a society. in a crisis It also revealed how radical he could become.
De Witt’s death Orangists gaining power and led to William III gaining control of the Netherlands.
Johan de Witt’s story is an example of how leaders, no matter how successful they are, can meet a brutal end when they lose the trust of the people. an exemplary document appears as.
Other stories that might interest you:
RELATED NEWS
The Woman Who Was Stranded on an Abandoned Island with 32 Men for 7 Years: Kazuo Higa’s Interesting Story, which was Made into a Movie
RELATED NEWS
The Breathtaking Story of the Submarine That Sank to the Bottom of the Ocean with Its Crew Aboard
RELATED NEWS
The Tragic Life of Mary Ann Bevan, Who Had to Work in the Circus for Her Children Because of Her Appearance
RELATED NEWS