History

The first people to settle around the Rhine Delta – long before it became The Netherlands we know today - were Germanic and Celtic tribes. They made their home here before 400 AD, when the Roman Empire ruled much of Europe.

The Middle Ages

The boundaries shifted again, when the Franks moved in the late 8th century and Charlemagne formed his vast empire. Holland became a buffer between the rivals of the time - Germany and Gaul (France). This empire was divided into three in 843 AD.

Until the 16th Century, The Netherlands was grouped with Belgium and Luxembourg and known as ‘the Low Countries’ (under Charles V’s rule ). During the Middle Ages, the Low Countries were ruled by a number of dukes and counts. But, in 1568, trouble started when King Philip II of Spain’s Inquisition arrived - and the fight for independence began.

Prince William of Orange’s revolt

When the war broke out,, a key figure in Dutch history - Prince William of Orange (Willem van Oranje), keeper of the city of Holland, Zeeland and Utrecht - led the revolt of the northern Netherlands against Philip II. The war waged for 80 years until 1648, when the Treaty of Westphalia recognised the Republic of The Netherlands as independent.

The Dutch Golden Age

But good times were to follow. In the 17th century, trade flourished and a wealthy commercial era began, called The Dutch Golden Age. The United East India Company (VOC), trading with the Far East, created much of this wealth. During these prosperous times, art and culture took centre stage and painters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer enjoyed their heyday.

The Netherlands as it is today

In 1795 France, led by Napoleon, took over The Netherlands. In 1814, when the French occupation ended, today’s Kingdom of The Netherlands was formed. A government, constitutional monarchy and parliamentary system were put in place. From then on - until World War I - we experienced major economic and social growth.

In 1830 Belgium separated itself from The Netherlands and became a country in its own right.

The World Wars

Despite managing to stay neutral during World War I, The Netherlands was occupied by Germany during World War II for five years.

Until the World War II, The Netherlands was one of the world’s biggest colonial powers. Not long after the war, the colonies became independent. Today, the Kingdom of The Netherlands also consists of The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba - islands in the Caribbean.