Stadtholder Politics and government of the Dutch Republic

william silent, prince of orange, leader of dutch revolt, , stadtholder of holland, zeeland, , utrecht. office of stadtholder not national 1 appointed each of states. each province chose appoint descendant of william, either incumbent prince of orange or member of collateral counts of nassau-dietz.

the office of stadtholder (stadhouder in dutch), continuation of burgundian institution. stadtholders in middle ages appointed feudal lords represent them in absence. each of provinces of burgundian netherlands had own stadtholder, although stadtholder might exercise authority on more 1 province (e.g. william silent stadtholder of holland, zealand , utrecht). stadtholder more powerful mere governor, had limited authority. in 15th century dukes of burgundy acquired of low countries, , these burgundian netherlands in turn governed own stadtholder. in 16th century, habsburg holy roman emperor charles v, king of spain, had inherited burgundian netherlands, continued tradition had wider interests in spain, germany , italy. stadtholders continued appointed represent philip ii, son , successor in spain , low countries. due centralist , absolutist policies of philip, actual power of stadtholders diminished. 1 of causes of dutch revolt.

when, in 1581, during dutch revolt, of dutch provinces declared independence act of abjuration, representative function of stadtholder became obsolete in rebellious northern netherlands – feudal lordship becoming vacant – office nevertheless continued in these provinces united dutch republic. these united provinces struggling adapt existing feudal concepts , institutions new situation , tended conservative in matter, had after rebelled against king defend ancient rights. fact stadtholder william silent, effective leader of revolt, made states determined retain him , normalise position. stadtholder no longer represented lord, states retaining sovereignty themselves. appointed states of each province province, making provincial office. however, although each province assign own stadtholder, in practice prince of orange, direct descendant of william silent, appointed stadtholderate of holland, zeeland, utrecht, , guelders, , count/later prince of nassau-dietz, cadet branch, appointed stadtholder of friesland. groningen , overijssel appointed 1 or other prince stadtholder.

the highest executive power exerted sovereign states of each province, stadtholder had prerogatives, such appointing of lower officials , @ times ancient right affirm appointment (by co-option) of members of regent councils or choose burgomasters shortlist of candidates. these councils appointed members of states, stadtholder indirectly influence general policy on course of time. in zeeland princes of orange, after dutch revolt held office of stadtholder there, held dignity of first noble, , such member of states of province, fact held title of marquis of veere , flushing 1 of patrimonial titles.

in times of war, stadtholder, who, since prince of orange appointed captain-general (see above) , commanded army, had more influence , have more power councillor pensionary. why princes of orange tended favour policy of war, against spain or france (as case maurice , william ii), rather policy of peace. however, not power command, power influence, persuade states, , have decisions accepted of states. mentioned above, ability of 17th century house of orange-nassau princes of orange influence , drive states consensus lead leadership of generality. inability of princes of orange of 18th century lead in great part fall of dutch republic.