Stadtholder William II and his potential impact on history

MrHola

Banned
Who was stadtholder William II?

There is not a lot of info available on this fascinating character. Despite this, I still managed to piece something together based on a number of sources (mostly through Google Books and Wikipedia :eek:). Please bear with me. Right then. William II. He was the son of stadtholder Frederick-Henry of Orange and Amalia of Solms-Braunfels. He went on to marry of Mary Henrietta, daughter of Charles I of England. Frederick-Henry died in 1647 and William II became his successor. He was opposed to the negotiations with Spain. When he was overruled, he opened secret negotiations with France with the goal of dividing the Spanish Netherlands and centralizing the republic. He also wanted to restore Charles II to the throne of England. He also had big plans for the Dutch colonial empire. At one point, William II was finally fed up with the powerful regents of Holland, who wanted to reduce spending on the military, and launched a coup in 1650. Despite the coup being somewhat of a failure, he got away with most of his demands met. After serving as stadtholder for three years, he suddenly and unexpectedly died of smallpox in 1650.

He was fairly handsome and quite tall, apparently. It is said that William inherited the cunning of his father and the fierce temper of his mother. This basically made him a man of extremes: he was affable and charming; he was also known for hotheadedness and sudden bouts of melancholia. The man was also a wasteful spender with a taste for stage actresses. To me, he seems like a younger, more angry version of Charles I mixed with a dash of Wilhelm II. So suppose that he did not die in 1650. How would history judge him?

Would he occupy a spot in England's rogues gallery next to Napoleon, Philip II, Wilhelm II, etc.? ;)
 
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How would history judge him?

Would he occupy a spot in England's rogues gallery next to Napoleon, Philip II, Wilhelm II, etc.? ;)
Doubtful. I dont think he would be able to do anything that would would (non-temporary) England care about him. Willem II reign would probably be dominated by a powerstruggle (or even a civil war) between the Dutch regents/merchants and the stadholder. I think Willem II would be able to win such a struggle and probably increase the power of the stadholder. I think he might even gain titles such as duke of Gelre (his son was offered the title by the Parliament of Gelderland too, but he refused fearing the reaction in Holland). His endgoal would be becoming king of the Netherlands, but I don't think that's actualy reachable, since it depends mostly on foreign powers accepting him as king.

I think it is likely that Willem II would be more expansionist than OTL Dutch republic. After the power struggle some kind of alliance with France dividing up the southern Netherlands is certainly possible. I can see him extending his power towards parts of Germany (like for example East-Frisia).

In the end he might strengtthen the Netherlands, but it will probably cost some of its wealth, as his main target would be influental Dutch merchants, who did like him. Still the Netherlands in those days was rich enough that it would still be ridiculously rich, even if various merchants would suffer and, of course, there will be enough merchants who wouls support Willem II, especialy if it looks like he is winning.

On England? Relation might actualy be better if Charles II sees him as an ally and former benifactor, maybe butterflying away the Anglo-Dutch wars. If the Nethrlands and France will remain friendly (which I certainly consider possible, Louis XIV dislike of the Netherlands was largly influenced by its republicanism), that would lead to an interesting diplomatic situation.

Lastly, it would probably mean there will be more children than just (future) Willem III, so it is likely that Lingen and Moers will remain attached or become part of the Netherlands, since the line is more secure.
 
I always thought that a surviving Willem II would be a very interesting POD for the Netherlands. It was still in the early days of the Republic and it would certainly change the entire Dutch political landscape. Since Dutch politics and merchants were so closely connected it would have a large influence on Dutch colonisation. It would certainly have some major butterflies throughout the world. Too bad it is a bit of an obscure POD.
 
A surviving William II would probably do wonders for the British/Dutch connection AFTER the Restoration (if he lives that long) since he was a supporter of his brother-in-law. Also, as mentioned, he and Mary would probably have more children which would mean a much greater chance that branch of the House of Orange would retain Stadtholder status.
 
Ok, so from what little I know I suppose that William would be out for the Lower Provinces. He would probably (at least try) to keep a strong alliance with France thus hopefully averting the Franco-Dutch war, and focus his war machine on Spain.

After it's defeat (I assume it would come down to a partition between France and the Dutch) and Spain's decline the Dutch of this time may still side with England once France regains its strength and becomes the European land power because of well, Realpolitik.

But I must admit I know very little of William II. :eek:
 

MrHola

Banned
Thanks for the replies everyone!

But I must admit I know very little of William II. :eek:

I know! I truly tend to think the guy has some far-reaching AH potential! Anyhoo, perhaps a few experts on France, England and Spain can chime in as well? Relations with Cromwell and the Commonwealth would probably be rather terrible. Ditto with Spain.
 
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