Dutch courage
Encyclopedia
Dutch courage or liquid courage refers to courage
gained from intoxication by alcohol
. Originally the phrase 'Dutch courage' referred to the courage that results from indulgence in Dutch gin (jenever), but 'Dutch courage' can also apply to the gin itself.
In 1650 Franciscus Sylvius
, a Dutch doctor, created Dutch gin in an attempt create a diuretic
medicine. This was then used by soldiers in the Thirty Years' War
by English troops and was an instant success for its warming properties on the body in cold weather and its calming effects before battle. Because of the effects of Dutch gin English soldiers fighting in the Dutch Republic
in the 17th century apparently called the drink "Dutch Courage".
After the Thirty Years' War English troops returned home with 'Dutch Courage'. Gin became popular in England after King William III, better known as William of Orange
(1650 - 1702), allowed unlicensed gin production and at the same time imposed a heavy duty on all imported spirits. Soon gin distillation took place in England. The gin produced in England was different from the original Dutch version because the distillers did not have the original recipe. King William III actively encouraged gin production and gin was sometimes given to workers as a part of their wages.
Courage
Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation...
gained from intoxication by alcohol
Alcohol
In chemistry, an alcohol is an organic compound in which the hydroxy functional group is bound to a carbon atom. In particular, this carbon center should be saturated, having single bonds to three other atoms....
. Originally the phrase 'Dutch courage' referred to the courage that results from indulgence in Dutch gin (jenever), but 'Dutch courage' can also apply to the gin itself.
In 1650 Franciscus Sylvius
Franciscus Sylvius
Franciscus Sylvius , born Franz de le Boë, was a Dutch physician and scientist who was an early champion of Descartes', Van Helmont's and William Harvey's work and theories...
, a Dutch doctor, created Dutch gin in an attempt create a diuretic
Diuretic
A diuretic provides a means of forced diuresis which elevates the rate of urination. There are several categories of diuretics. All diuretics increase the excretion of water from bodies, although each class does so in a distinct way.- Medical uses :...
medicine. This was then used by soldiers in the Thirty Years' War
Thirty Years' War
The Thirty Years' War was fought primarily in what is now Germany, and at various points involved most countries in Europe. It was one of the most destructive conflicts in European history....
by English troops and was an instant success for its warming properties on the body in cold weather and its calming effects before battle. Because of the effects of Dutch gin English soldiers fighting in the Dutch Republic
Dutch Republic
The Dutch Republic — officially known as the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands , the Republic of the United Netherlands, or the Republic of the Seven United Provinces — was a republic in Europe existing from 1581 to 1795, preceding the Batavian Republic and ultimately...
in the 17th century apparently called the drink "Dutch Courage".
After the Thirty Years' War English troops returned home with 'Dutch Courage'. Gin became popular in England after King William III, better known as William of Orange
William III of England
William III & II was a sovereign Prince of Orange of the House of Orange-Nassau by birth. From 1672 he governed as Stadtholder William III of Orange over Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders, and Overijssel of the Dutch Republic. From 1689 he reigned as William III over England and Ireland...
(1650 - 1702), allowed unlicensed gin production and at the same time imposed a heavy duty on all imported spirits. Soon gin distillation took place in England. The gin produced in England was different from the original Dutch version because the distillers did not have the original recipe. King William III actively encouraged gin production and gin was sometimes given to workers as a part of their wages.
See also
- Anglo-Dutch WarsAnglo-Dutch WarsThe Anglo–Dutch Wars were a series of wars fought between the English and the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries for control over the seas and trade routes. The first war took place during the English Interregnum, and was fought between the Commonwealth of England and the Dutch Republic...
- Going Dutch#Etymology: More example of unflattering "Dutch" terms
- Double DutchDouble DutchDouble Dutch may refer to:* Double Dutch , a children's game* Double Dutch, a language game primarily used in English:**Tutnese**Ubbi dubbi**Izzle* Double Dutch , a writing style used by John O'Mill...
- GinGinGin is a spirit which derives its predominant flavour from juniper berries . Although several different styles of gin have existed since its origins, it is broadly differentiated into two basic legal categories...
- Gin Lane