Rape in the Republic, 1609-1725: Formulating Dutch Identity

This book reveals the fundamental role rape played in promoting Dutch solidarity from 1609-1725. Through the identification of particular enemies, it directed attention away from competing regional, religious, and political loyalties. Patriotic Protestant authors highlighted atrocities committed by the Spanish and lower-class criminals. They conversely cast Dutch men as protectors of their wives and daughters – an appealing characterization that allowed the Dutch to take pride in a sense of...