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A Short History of Netherlands

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The Netherlands has an interesting historical background with lots of experiences from long years of wars and battles between nations, division of land regions and colonies, and inhabiting tribes from different parts of Europe, throughout the world even.

It all started when Julius Caesar found the Netherlands which was then inhabited by Nervii, Frisii and Batavi tribes who are of German origin. After a number of years, the Franks invaded the country during the 4th century until the 8th century, and by Charlemagne from the 8th to the 9th century. After almost 7 centuries, the Spanish invaded and conquered the Netherlands and influenced the country by spreading Christianity.

In 1568, people of the Netherlands revolted against the Spanish rule lead by William of Orange. This is because King Phillip II suppressed the people’s political liberties which led to the people building their own Protestant movement. In 1579, the 7 northern provinces of the Netherlands formed their own union named United Provinces of Netherlands. After almost a hundred years of colonization, Spain granted independence to the Dutch in the year 1648.

During the Thirty Years War from 1618 to 1648, the Netherlands gained maritime power because of its strategic geographical location. Moreover, it has gained commercial influence in Europe and its colonies.

By 1814, all provinces of the Netherlands merged with Belgium and formed one Kingdom. After over 15 years, the southern provinces of the said kingdom formed the Kingdom of Belgium.

In 1940, the Nazis invaded the Netherlands and 5 years after, the nation was liberated. The Netherlands then joined the European Economic Community (now the European Union) in 1958.

At present, Netherlands is known for being the first nation to legalize euthanasia and same-sex marriage. Aside from that, prostitution is legal in the country.