Inspired by the American Revolution, the Dutch sought greater freedoms from their rulers. They were best positioned to revolt because the Dutch press was significantly less centralised than other European countries. Publication about a potential Dutch Revolution continued for years before the Dutch Patriots formed themselves into American-style militias in 1783. The Patriots took control of major cities like Amsterdam and The Hague. The King of Prussia bought a decisive end to the promise of a new era. He intervened on behalf of his Dutch sister, the stadtholder, and crushed the Patriots, dissolving their militias, banning political meetings, and censoring the press.

Louis XVI welcomed tens of thousands of the refugee Dutch Patriots. On reflection, given the rising tensions in France at the time, this wasn’t the best move. Queue another revolution, and this one will prove less easy to stop.