Johan van Oldenbarnevelt

Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (1547–1619) was a key Dutch statesman during the early 17th century, advocating for religious tolerance and the independence of the Dutch Republic from Spain. As a wealthy lawyer and politician, he served as the land's influential advisor and played a central role in forming the Dutch Republic’s political structure. His leadership aimed to balance different religious groups and maintain peace, especially between Calvinists and Catholics. However, his beliefs and political actions eventually led to his arrest and execution after he clashed with the Republican's more militaristic leaders, marking a significant moment in Dutch history.