Home Germany Italy United Kingdom France Poland Austria Spain Portugal Russia Greece Netherlands Belgium Sweden Finland
Norway Denmark Japan China India Egypt Australia USA Mexico Brazil Turkey Mongolia Bulgaria Romania Hungary
 
BERLIN WEATHER  

Countries of the World: Afghanistan Argentina Australia Belgium Brazil Canada Chile China Colombia Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Egypt Ethiopia Finland France Germany

 
Ancient History and the Holy Roman Empire
The Rhine, Meuse, and Scheldt rivers flowed through the low-lying delta region, which was inhabited by Germanic tribes and Celts and eventually incorporated into the Roman Empire. After the collapse of Roman rule, various Germanic groups, particularly the Franks, settled the area. In the Middle Ages, the Low Countries were a collection of semi-autonomous duchies, counties, and bishoprics within the Holy Roman Empire. 
Independence and the Dutch Golden Age
In the 16th century, the Low Countries became part of the vast Habsburg Empire (Spanish Empire). The Dutch (northern provinces) resisted Spanish rule, driven by religious differences (Protestant vs. Catholic Spain) and a desire for political independence. 
  • The Eighty Years' War (1568–1648): This long war of independence, led initially by William of Orange, resulted in the formal recognition of the independent Dutch Republic (the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands) in the Peace of Westphalia in 1648.
  • The Golden Age (Approx. 1588–1672): This period marked the zenith of Dutch power. The Dutch Republic became the world's leading economic and naval power, centered on trade carried out by the powerful Dutch East India Company (VOC). It saw a flourishing of arts and sciences, with masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer. 
Modern Era: Monarchy and Neutrality 
The Republic declined economically in the 18th century. In the wake of the French Revolution, the French occupied the Netherlands and established a satellite state. After Napoleon’s defeat, the Kingdom of the Netherlands was established in 1815 at the Congress of Vienna, initially including modern-day Belgium and Luxembourg (which split off in 1830 and 1890, respectively). 
  • World War I and II: The Netherlands remained neutral during World War I. In World War II, despite attempting neutrality again, it was invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany in May 1940.
  • Post-War Decolonization: After World War II, the Dutch East Indies gained independence as Indonesia after a struggle, followed later by Suriname.
  • Modern Democracy: The Netherlands emerged from the war and became a founding member of NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC), the precursor to the EU. Today, it is a stable, constitutional monarchy and a highly influential, liberal trading nation.