Michiel de Ruyter, by Ferdinand Bol
1672
Year of Disasters. France, England and the German bishoprics of Cologne and Münster declare war on the Republic. Following a stadholderless period of 22 years, William III, Prince of Orange, is appointed Stadholder. Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt, who has led the Republic well for almost 20 years, is murdered (together with his brother) by the Hague mob. The Republic survives, due largely to the naval victories of admirals Michiel de Ruyter, Cornelis Tromp and Witte de With.