ABSTRACT
In the period of peace after the Twelve Years’ Truce, the Dutch Republic was no longer threatened by Spain and continued to expand economically. Oldenbarneveldt and the States of Holland dominated politics. In the second decade of the Seventeenth Century, a controversy arose between two distinguished academics regarding a tenet of Calvinism, the sacred religion and a driver in the independence. From 1611 onwards, the controversy became violent and divided the Republic. Violent disturbances occurred. Oldenbarneveldt attempted to resolve the dispute but implemented excessive measures through the States of Holland. Hired soldiers were recruited to keep order, owing allegiance only to the province; officers in the Dutch Army were to owe allegiance only to the States of the province in which they were based. For Maurits, this was placing military loyalties and allegiance to the individual State above that of the States-General and to him; it was treason. Maurits mobilised the Dutch Army and lobbied the individual States. Oldenbarneveldt was detained, despite the protests of the States of Holland, tried for treason, and executed. Maurits had regained control. However, the Dutch Republic had been distracted for almost a decade from international affairs. And in Europe war clouds were gathering.
