Dutch Courage →
or liquid courage refers to courage gained from intoxication by alcohol.
In 1650 Franciscus Sylvius, a Dutch doctor, created gin in an attempt to cure a range of illnesses. This was then used by soldiers in the Thirty Year War by British troops and was an instant success for its calming effects before battle. This is where the phrase “Dutch Courage” comes from.
After the Thirty Years’ War British troops returned home with ‘Dutch Courage.’ Soon gin distillation took place in England. King William III, better known as William of Orange (1650 - 1702) actively encouraged gin production and gin was sometimes given to workers as a part of their wages.
