The Dutch



The Netherlands was a very attractive country to conquer and posses, namely, it was small with an access to the North Sea. Throughout the years Holland was occupied by the Celts and the Frisians both nations came under the Roman rule from the 1st BC until the 4th AD. Eventually they all fought with the Germanic tribes and Francs over the supremacy. It was established in 5th and 8th century. The Middle Ages made Holland divided into principalities. The northern part (The Dutch) belonged to the Habsburg Empire. In the XVI century it revolted against the Spaniards and their attempts to ease the Protestant faith, numerous battles and skirmishes won them independence. The wars which prolonged till XVII century gave an onset of a new system – a protestant Republic. The southern part was absorbed by the Spanish Habsburgs. The year 1713 was crucial – it was re-acclaimed by the Austrian Habsburgs.

Against all odds the wars did not wakened the country, in contrary, it became rich and prosperous a real center of the culture and scholarship, as well as a maritime power, which spread its influence over the colonies of West India, South Africa and Brasil. In 1814 the northern and southern provinces united, the great power of the empire declined. Uneasy times returned in 1830 when the south prepared another uprising, it was a successful one and the provinces became an independent kingdom Belgium in 1839. Luxembourg won independence in 1867.

The Dutch tried to stay non-engaged, it happened during the Great War, however, it didn't work out during the Second World War, the country was occupied and ruined during that time.


The post-war period was exceptionally difficult, the main branch of economy – the agriculture was no longer possible to sustain the country, the trade and industry became a real rescue. In 1960 large quantities of gas were discovered in the north part of the Netherlands. The money made the Dutch to develop a welfare state so crucial in post-war, modern Europe.  

Bibliography:
"The History of the Netherlands and the Benelux" - Express Publishing.

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