History of the Rise and Fall of the Netherlands

Author: A. de Jong (American)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-07-01
Features: "A good history book is like Rembrandt's painting; it gathers vivid light on some good and great events, while placing other historical events in their shadows." — Basquean Shute
Content: On December 12, 1794, the revolutionary French army crossed the frozen River Scheldt and launched an attack on the Dutch Republic. In early January 1795, French troops crossed the Meuse River and Waal River into Dutch territory. Wherever the French army went, cities and villages fell into their hands, and the few Dutch military fortresses they encountered surrendered without resistance. On January 16, the powerful Dutch city of Utrecht also opened its gates to the invaders. The following night, the Dutch provincial council of South Holland in The Hague decided that, given the current situation, further resistance was unrealistic, and surrender was the only option.