Origins & Early Life

William II (Dutch: Willem II; 27 May 1626 – 6 November 1650) was sovereign Prince of Orange and Stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders, Overijssel and Groningen in the United Provinces of the Netherlands from 14 March 1647 until his death three years later on 6 November 1650. His death marked the beginning of the First Stadtholderless Period, leading to the rise of Johan De Witt, who stayed in power for the next 22 years. His only child, William III, reigned as King of England, Scotland, and Ireland in 1689, following the Glorious Revolution. His son William also became Stadtholder of the Five Dutch Provinces in 1672, marking the end of the formentioned Stadtholderless Period.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

William II (or Willem II), Prince of Orange, was born on 27 May 1626, as the first legitimate child and elder son of Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange, and his wife Amalia of Solms-Braunfels. Frederick Henry was the youngest son of William the Silent (stadtholder 1559–1584); his older half brother Maurits of Nassau was Stadtholder (1585–1625); Frederick Henry was stadtholder from 1625 to 1647. Frederick Henry also had another half-brother, Philip William...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Christina, Queen of Sweden — Contemporary (Born in 1626) (1626): Queen of Sweden, known for her intellect, patronage, and dramatic abdication to Rome.
• Edward Alleyn — Contemporary (Died in 1626) (1626): Pioneering Elizabethan actor and founder of the Dulwich College.
• Francesco Redi — Contemporary (Born in 1626) (1626): Pioneering biologist who refuted spontaneous generation and founded experimental biology.
• James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose — Contemporary (Died in 1650) (1650): Scottish nobleman, soldier, and poet, famed for his military prowess in the 17th century.
• John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough — Contemporary (Born in 1650) (1650): British statesman and military genius, famed for the Duke of Marlborough.
• Tukaram — Contemporary (Died in 1650) (1650): A revered 17th-century Marathi saint and poet known for social reform through devotional poetry.
• Ajahn Buddhadasa — Shared historical date (05-27 · Born) (1906): Pioneering Thai Buddhist monk known for reinterpreting doctrine and fostering religious reformation.
• Ben Feldman — Shared historical date (05-27 · Born) (1980): American actor known for roles in Superstore, Mad Men, and Silicon Valley.
• Alfred F. Young — Shared historical date (11-06 · Died) (2012): Pioneering American historian of the Revolution and working-class social history.
• Charles Garnier (architect) — Shared historical date (11-06 · Born) (1825): Master architect renowned for the opulent Palais Garnier and Parisian opera houses.
• 1626 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1626
• May 27 (05-27) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 27
• 1650 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1650
• November 6 (11-06) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on November 6