De Witt (1625-1672) was grand pensionary of the province of Holland, which made him the most powerful politician in the entire Republic. De Witt's marriage to the daughter of a burgomaster of Amsterdam brought him into close contact with the city council, which consequently supported him in his campaign against Willem III, the future stadholder. The latter was opposed to the independence of the towns and provinces. But when war was declared on the Dutch Republic by England, France, Munster, and Cologne, in 1672, the help of Willem III was quickly enlisted. He was appointed supreme commander of the army, and stadholder; his opponent Johan de Witt and his brother Cornelis were lynched by followers of Willem III.