A Short History Of The Netherlands Holland And Belgium

A Brief History of the Netherlands, Second Edition provides a clear, lively, and comprehensive account of the history of the Netherlands from ancient times to the present day. It relates the central events that have shaped the country and details their significance in historical context, touching on all aspects of the history of the country, from political, international, and economic affairs to cultural and social developments. Illustrated with full-color maps and photographs, and accompanied by a chronology, bibliography, and suggested reading, this accessible overview is ideal for the general reader. Coverage includes: From Early Settlements to Frankish Rule Political Strife and the Rise of Urban Life Wars of Religion and Emancipation Resplendent Republic Dynamo in Decline From Republic to Empire to Kingdom Building the Modern Nation-State Neutrality, Depression, and World War Reconstruction and Rebirth after World War II The Netherlands in the Twenty-first Century: the Triumphs and Trials of a Tolerant Society

In any definition of terms, Dutch literature must be taken to mean all literature written in Dutch, thus excluding literature in Frisian, even though Friesland is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in the same way as literature in Welsh would be excluded from a history of English literature. Simi larly, literature in Afrikaans (South African Dutch) falls outside the scope of this book, as Afrikaans from the moment of its birth out of seventeenth-century Dutch grew up independently and must be regarded as a language in its own right. . Dutc:h literature, then, is the literature written in Dutch as spoken in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the so-called Flemish part of the Kingdom of Belgium, that is the area north of the linguistic frontier which runs east-west through Belgium passing slightly south of Brussels. For the modern period this definition is clear anough, but for former times it needs some explanation. What do we mean, for example, when we use the term 'Dutch' for the medieval period? In the Middle Ages there was no standard Dutch language, and when the term 'Dutch' is used in a medieval context it is a kind of collective word indicating a number of different but closely related Frankish dialects. The most important of those were the dialects of the duchies of Limburg and Brabant, and of the counties of Flanders and Holland.

Friso Wielenga's detailed history of the Netherlands traces its political development from independence to today, incorporating significant explorations of culture, economics, international relations, colonisation and decolonisation in the process. It provides a thorough and well-balanced overview of the key moments in and vital aspects of Dutch history since 1500. Challenging incorrect assumptions concerning political consensus and religious toleration in the country, A History of the Netherlands offers a masterful analysis of domestic politics and the nation's international involvements. This new edition includes: * Enhanced and expanded examinations of 21st century developments to the present * Greater coverage of the Dutch role in the slave trade, the Atlantic trade and the Glorious Revolution * More material on multiculturalism and integration politics and the World War Two deportation and extermination of the Dutch Jewry * Historiographical updates throughout The book is vital reading for anyone looking for a rich understanding of the Netherlands and its past.

An enthralling exploration of the Netherlands unfolds here as the book tracing the nation's history from ancient times to the dawn of the 20th century. T.C. Grattan's rich narrative takes you through the highs and lows of this resilient country, unveiling the secrets of its past with remarkable detail. From the legendary struggles for independence against Spain, surpassing the American revolution in length and intensity, to the rise of influential figures like William the Silent, the Dutch spirit of determination and patriotism shines through every page. While battles and rulers weave the main thread, the author's admiration for Dutch culture and art, exemplified by the remarkable talents of Rembrandt and the golden age, adds a vibrant dimension to the tale.