‘Batavische constantie’

Based on archival research, this article describes the actions taken by city government to put Amsterdam into a state of defence during 1672, so-called Disaster Year. Particular attention is paid spatial consequences these measures. In spring Dutch Republic was attacked an alliance between France, England, Cologne and Münster. The French army’s advance eventually halted border province Holland dint flooding polders. 1673, tide war turned in Republic’s favour, hostilities ceased 1674.
 1659, had embarked series major urban expansion works Leidsegracht canal IJ inlet. On 10 June all were except those fortifications. Priority given restoration wall, which been weakened subsidence. Outside free field fire created, measures defend unfortified shore. militia also reorganized.
 From semi-circle low-lying polders around flooded opening sluices breaching dykes. This done step step, form dynamic water management that constantly adapted changing circumstances order maximize defensive potential minimize damage. Waterways blocked off defended armed ships. Six fortifications built higher access roads immediate vicinity city, often close one inundation openings. These permanently manned. arranged for construction outposts further away, such as Uithoorn, crucial maintaining operations. With river Vecht acting first line – ‘outer wall’ it Muiden, Weesp, Hinderdam Nieuwersluis reinforced with fortifications.
 After recapture Naarden steps return normality 1674-1675 temporary demolished. All structures disappeared from landscape Amsterdam. point view, seem have short-lived. However, 1672 concept served model later lines Amsterdam, last being Stelling van or Defence Line, capital functioned ‘national redoubt’. respect Year cannot be underestimated.