Oldenbarneveldt, Johan van

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Oldenbarneveldt, Johan van (1547–1619) Dutch political leader in the Revolt of the Netherlands. With William I (the Silent), he founded the Dutch Republic. He helped to arrange the union of the provinces at Utrecht (1579), and supported Maurice of Nassau as stadtholder when William was assassinated (1584). From 1586 he was the dominant figure in Holland and, with Maurice, practically the ruler of the United Provinces. He was instrumental in securing the truce with Spain (1609), which implied Dutch independence. He fell out with Maurice over religious differences and after an unjust trial was executed.

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