Orangism (Dutch Republic)

This article is about pre-1795 Dutch Orangism. For monarchism in the Netherlands, see Orangism (Kingdom of the Netherlands). For other uses, see Orangism.

Cornelis Tromp by Abraham Evertsz. van Westerveld (ca. 1666). Tromp is pictured in Roman costume. His orangist sympathies are reflected by the color of his mantle.

In the history of the Dutch Republic, Orangism or prinsgezindheid ("pro-prince stance") was a political force opposing the Staatsgezinde (pro-Republic) party. Orangists supported the Princes of Orange as Stadtholders (a position held by members of the House of Orange) and military commanders of the Republic, as a check on the power of the regenten.[1]: 12  The Orangist party drew its adherents largely from traditionalists – mostly farmers, soldiers, noblemen and orthodox Protestant preachers, though its support fluctuated heavily over the course of the Republic's history and there were never clear-cut socioeconomic divisions.[1]: 13 

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference reinders was invoked but never defined (see the help page).