Lynching of Johan and Cornelis de Witt
August 20th, 1672
August 20th, 1672

How Long Ago?
352 years, 6 months, 23 days ago
Location
The Hague, Netherlands
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
Franco-Dutch War
People
- Johan de Witt
- Cornelis de Witt
Links & References
Tags
Lynching of Johan and Cornelis de Witt
Johan de Witt, the Grand Pensionary of Holland, and his brother Cornelis were brutally lynched by a mob in The Hague. This violent mob action was fueled by widespread public discontent and suspicion, particularly amid a tumultuous period when the Dutch Republic faced military threats during the Franco-Dutch War. Their murder was a culmination of political strife, as both brothers were scapegoated for the Republic's misfortunes. The mob attacked the de Witts, ultimately killing them and displaying their bodies in a gruesome act of vengeance.
Johan de Witt was the Grand Pensionary of Holland.
The lynching occurred during the Franco-Dutch War.
A mob blamed the de Witts for military failures.
The event marked a shift in Dutch political power.
What Happened?
Johan de Witt, a prominent politician and Grand Pensionary of Holland, along with his brother Cornelis, faced a tragic fate in The Hague amid escalating tensions within the Dutch Republic. The period leading up to this horrific lynching was marked by significant political turmoil. The Dutch Republic was engaged in the Franco-Dutch War, with its territories under threat from external enemies, including France and England. As military setbacks piled up, public sentiment turned against the political leaders, who were perceived as failed stewards of the state. Johan de Witt had been a key architect of Dutch republicanism and foreign policy but faced increasing criticism for the military failures. On August 20, 1672, a mob, driven by agitation and propelled by anti-de Witt sentiment, cornered the brothers in The Hague. The mob reflected a broader discontent in society, driven by a desire for a scapegoat amidst the looming national crisis. Reports indicate that as the brothers were attacked, Johan de Witt attempted to reason with the crowd, but his pleas were drowned in the chaos. The lynching culminated in a grotesque display of violence, with their bodies subjected to horrific treatment, marking a deeply unsettling chapter in Dutch history. Following the lynching, the royalists and Orange supporters used the event as fodder for political gain, intensifying the already profound divisions within Dutch society. The violent murder of the de Witts would create lasting implications for the political landscape in the years to come, altering the dynamics of power and the perception of the republican government.
Why Does it Matter?
The lynching of Johan and Cornelis de Witt marks a significant moment in the history of the Dutch Republic, showcasing the volatile intersection of politics and public sentiment. It illustrated how swiftly political fortunes could shift in times of crisis, influencing the balance of power for years ahead. The event also laid bare the dangers of mob mentality and the impact of public opinion on governance, providing a cautionary tale for future political leaders about accountability and the volatility of popular support.
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