Maurice, Prince of Orange, played a crucial role in the governance of the Dutch Republic during a time marked by intense factional strife between Remonstrants, who advocated for a more liberal interpretation of Calvinism, and the more conservative Counter-Remonstrants. The situation escalated in the province of Utrecht, where the waardgelders militia, organized to support the Remonstrant cause, became a focal point of conflict. On this pivotal day, Prince Maurice authorized the disbandment of this militia force, an act that symbolized the waning influence of the Remonstrant faction. As military leader and a key political figure, Maurice's decision came amidst rising concerns over the security and legitimacy of Remonstrant influences within the military structures of the time.

This disbandment was not merely an isolated military action; it was intertwined with the broader political machinations within the Dutch Republic, where the Calvinist orthodoxy pushed by the Counter-Remonstrants sought to reclaim authority and suppress dissenting views. This act was accompanied by significant resistance from Remonstrant supporters who saw it as a direct attack on their rights and beliefs, exacerbating the already volatile climate.

The repercussions of the disbandment unfolded in subsequent months, leading to further confrontations and political maneuverings. It also set the stage for the Synod of Dort, where doctrinal disputes would be debated at a national level. The tensions between the two factions would erupt into a broader conflict, affecting not just Utrecht but the entirety of the Dutch Republic, leading many to be drawn into the sociopolitical battles that emerged during this period.