A History Of The Netherlands By Friso Wielenga

Friso Wielenga’s book, A History of the Netherlands: From the Sixteenth Century to the Present Day, offers a colorful insight to the history of one of the oldest European Empires. By writing about the short themes throughout Dutch history, Wielenga has formed not only a history book but a story as well. Johan Willem Friso Wielenga is a Dutch historian. He began his academic career by studying history and politics at the University of Amsterdam (1975- 1978). After a short stay in Germany, Wielenga moved back to the Netherlands where he taught international relations at the University of Groningen and then Political history at the University of Utrecht. For a while, he continued to flip between teaching in the Netherlands & in Germany. Impressively,

While discussing the Golden Era of Dutch history, it is crucial to keep in mind that, “Its aim was not territorial expansion in Europe, but consolidation of its independence, and the defense of its interest in trade and seagoing shipping” (p. 92). This sentence summarizes the objectives and goals of the Dutch, while reminding the reader that all the wars were fought for these reasons only. While the other countries mentioned throughout the chapters, such as France & Spain, their primary goal was territorial expansion throughout Europe. It can be seen in the image on page 61, that the territory of the Republic was constantly changing, because of wars and various treaties. This quote also summarizes the main arguments featured in this chapter. As a new issue introduces itself to the Republic, their persistence to maintain their land and their ways is constantly seen. Each Section has a prominent theme that is reiterated throughout it. From the twelve Years’ Truce to the Peace of Munster (1609-48), during this time the Dutch was internally struggling. Ranging from issues with religious tolerance to the idea of stadholderless period, this was a crucial starting point for the Golden era. This section also includes an illustration of the Orange- Nassau Family tree, throughout the chapter this was key in understanding and being

It had finally tasted International Power and it was not going back. The population during this time sky rocketed, there was a large foreign presence as more and more migrants came from all over Europe. The concept of diversity is implanted. Diversity was a big deal when it came to government administration, “discussion culture” and religion (p. 71-73). The ‘true freedom’ (1650-72), after William II death, the republic entered into another stadholderless period. It started the decade right by having the strongest economy in the world. But during this 12-year period, the Dutch saw a lot of fighting. England’s played a pivotal role, their vast naval fleet was an enemy to the Dutch. In various attempts to restore balance to the region, many treaties were signed. These were uneasy times for diplomatic relations, in addition to the English there were also issues with France & Spain. The return of Orange: The Republic under William III (1672-1702), after what will go down in history as the “Disaster year” (1672). Ending the stadholderless period, William III was able to revive the nation, sometimes by pissing a lot of people off but nonetheless he was able to pull the Netherlands from the brink of dismay. The Economy in the Golden Age, in this section, the true extent of the label of “Golden Age” is explained. It was hard to keep in mind while reading about the various wars and spats