Akademik

(1547–1619)

   Statesman who played an important role during the Dutch Revolt against Spain as a supporter of William I of Orange. As of 1586, Oldenbarnevelt held the function of legal advisor (landsadvocaat or grand pensionary) of the States ofHolland. He was crucial in making domestic and for eign policy in the Republic, for instance, organizing the Dutch East India Company in 1602. In the last stage of his career, he strove for peace with Spain, in accordance with the interests of the merchants of the province of Holland. This caused a conflict with stadthold ers Maurice and Willem Lodewijk of Nassau and their Calvinistic followers, who were afraid of losing their important positions as mil itary leaders and of the reemergence of the Roman Catholics. The problems between orthodox Calvinists and the Arminians (including, among others, Hugo Grotius) intensified the conflict. In 1619, Ol denbarnevelt was sentenced to death by a special court. His son Reinier (1583–1623) was beheaded because of his part in a conspir acy against Prince Maurice.