Nieuwe manieren, sterke frontieren. Het bouwconcept van Menno van Coehoorn en zijn aandeel in de verbetering van het verdedigingsstelsel

Abstract

J. P. C. M. van Hoof, New methods, strong borders. Menno van Coehoorn's building plans and contribution to improving the defence system
During the years 1680 to 1685, Menno van Coehoorn (1641-1704) designed a remarkable fortification system. It provided a sound alternative to both the traditional Dutch system of fortification, which reached its peak during the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648), and the French method, which had been used in our country since 1680. In his capacity as chief engineer, Coehoorn played a leading role in modernising the fortifications located along the borders during the years 1698-1702. With his design for the protection of Dutch territory by using lines of defence, he also created a new defence structure. His role as consultant to the policy-makers of the time meant that his views had a decisive influence. At the same time, he took a keen, personal interest in implementing and executing his own building plans.

This article is part of the special issue 'Legerorganisatie en oorlogvoering in de Lage Landen tijdens de zestiende en zeventiende eeuw'.