DutchReview The Dutch may seem civilized now, but anyone with some knowledge of European history knows that was not always the case in the past.Ā
Europe, including the Netherlands, was not an easy place to live in back in the day. The continent was ravaged by wars, conflicts, and assassinations ā a complete geopolitical mess. One story from the past that best exemplifies this is the tragic tale of Johan de Witt, an especially dark chapter inĀ Dutch history.
Historical background
In 1672, the Netherlands (back then known as the Dutch Republic) was caught up in a war with England, France and the two German cities Cologne and MĆ¼nster. This year would enter the Dutch history books as the RampjaarĀ (Disaster Year), which marked the end of the gloriousĀ Dutch Golden Age.
