Rampjaar

thumb|Allegory of the Disaster Year by Jan van Wijckersloot (1673) In 1672 the Dutch Republic faced simultaneous invasions from France, England, and the German bishoprics of Münster and Cologne in what became known as the ' (; "Disaster Year'"). The French Royal Army, under Louis XIV, advanced rapidly, capturing large areas of the eastern provinces. English and French warships worked together to challenge Dutch control at sea. Meanwhile, troops from Münster and Cologne pressed into the republic from the east. Many Dutch provinces, including Utrecht and Overijssel, were occupied by foreign armies. The sudden overrunning of most of the country led to widespread panic and unrest within Dutch society.

The government, dominated by Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt and the regenten from Holland, lost support as people became dissatisfied with their leadership in the crisis. In response to public demand, Willem III of Orange was appointed stadtholder and also took command of the army. Despite initial setbacks and territorial losses, the Dutch flooded parts of their own land by opening the Hollandic Water Line, which forced the French army to halt its advance on the main Holland province, home to major cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Naval actions eventually prevented an effective Anglo-French blockade, keeping key trading cities supplied. The Dutch army began a gradual recovery, seeing some military successes against the invaders by the end of the year. The Rampjaar led to dramatic political changes, widespread social unrest, and violence against de Witt and his supporters, who were blamed for the country’s precarious situation. The conflict continued until 1678, but by the following year, most of the lost territory in the Dutch Republic had been retaken.