The Netherlands has heavy Germanic roots in everything from language to customs. This is easily excusable, as Germanic tribes have inhabited that small area for more than 2600 years.
The Netherlands then passed hands and southern Netherlands became a part of the Roman Empire. Roughly three centuries later, the Franks took over. Finally, in 1555 Spain takes the Netherlands.
It was twenty years later when Willem van Oranje made his last name the national color. The rebellion began in 1568, led by the heroic van Oranje. However, in another two hundred years, or so, France made a claim and the Netherlands, once again, became just another puppet to a European power. In 1813 the Netherlands finally became its own country, although Germany takes occupation in 1940, though they remain in power only a few short years. The Netherlands once again claimed its independence, and it has remained a monarchy with a complex government of “houses”.
The Netherlands then passed hands and southern Netherlands became a part of the Roman Empire. Roughly three centuries later, the Franks took over. Finally, in 1555 Spain takes the Netherlands.
It was twenty years later when Willem van Oranje made his last name the national color. The rebellion began in 1568, led by the heroic van Oranje. However, in another two hundred years, or so, France made a claim and the Netherlands, once again, became just another puppet to a European power. In 1813 the Netherlands finally became its own country, although Germany takes occupation in 1940, though they remain in power only a few short years. The Netherlands once again claimed its independence, and it has remained a monarchy with a complex government of “houses”.
The Netherlands has been a huge power in Europe, and, after a slight economic drop during the horrific World War Two, in which the Netherlands was affected profoundly, it has risen up and has become a central industrial country. Agriculture is only a small portion of Dutch income, but is a major factor in its exports. The Netherlands also has to rely heavily on imports for mineral resources, as its barrenness does not aid its economic position.
Source(s):
http://www.electionworld.org/history/netherlands.htm
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-35869/The-Netherlands
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