Proclamatie van de plicht tot illumineren en het verbod op ongeregeldheden bij de 40ste verjaardag van prins Willem V, 1788 1788

Printed in Amsterdam in 1788 by Pieter Hendrik Dronsberg, this proclamation from the city council regulates public illuminations for Prince William V’s 40th birthday. The council orders all residents to light up their houses on the 8th of March, in a manner befitting their means, while avoiding any hint of rebellion. Fireworks and riotous behavior are strictly forbidden, with fines for offenders. Note the concern with maintaining public order. The late 1780s were a politically turbulent time in the Dutch Republic, with tensions between supporters of the Stadtholder, Prince William V, and the Patriot movement, which sought democratic reforms. This document reflects the authorities' attempt to manage public celebrations and prevent them from turning into expressions of political dissent. As historians, we can analyze such documents alongside pamphlets, newspaper accounts, and other sources to understand the complex social and political dynamics of the period.