Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, a significant Dutch statesman, was executed in The Hague following a controversial trial that concluded with a guilty verdict for treason. The trial was emblematic of the intense political and religious climate in the early 17th century Dutch Republic. Van Oldenbarnevelt was a leading figure of the Remonstrants, a faction advocating for more religious tolerance and a kinder approach to the Arminians, opposed by the Counter-Remonstrants, who sought to strengthen the power of orthodox Calvinism. This schism between the two factions contributed to the conflict that led to his arrest and execution.

The trial took place under the auspices of Maurice of Nassau, the Prince of Orange, who sided with the Counter-Remonstrants and viewed Oldenbarnevelt as a threat to his authority and the stability of the fledgling republic. Following a series of hearings, Van Oldenbarnevelt was convicted, a decision seen by many as politically motivated rather than founded on actual treasonous acts. On May 13, he was executed by beheading, a method intended to serve as a warning against dissent in the tumultuous political landscape of the time.

Oldenbarnevelt's death signified a pivotal moment in Dutch history, impacting the balance of power within the Republic and fueling further conflicts between different political factions. His execution also had repercussions beyond the immediate political landscape, influencing perceptions of justice and governance in the Netherlands. It underscored the fragile nature of political alliances and the lengths to which leaders would go to maintain control during a time of sectarian strife and power struggles.