Language and culture of the Netherlands – Short Dutch language history. The Netherlands has been both blessed and cursed by being situated near the sea. The earliest inhabitants have been found to create their mounds along the coast of Friesland. Currently, work projects, such as the Delta Project, have been made to prevent floods in Zeeland. The country has flourished in their position, though. A majority of their farmlands can be found on reclaimed seabed.
The Netherlands was frequently ruled by many overlords in the past. Evidence of Roman dominance can be found at Fort Nijmegen and Maastricht, which were formed at the onset of the Christian era. Afterward, the Franks took over followed by the Roman Empire. Independence emerged during the Middle Ages due to the leadership of the Dukes of Burgundy.
Conflict arrived in the 16th century when Spain tried to suppress the rise of Protestantism in the northern regions. Holland allied with Catholic provinces to finally defeat Spain. Prosperity and culture flowered started in the 17th century which is now called the golden age of Holland. Holland became a colonial power in large areas like Asia and South America. The settlement of New Amsterdam established a beachhead in North America as well. However, wars with England disrupted Holland’s rise to power. Holland was soon annexed by France in 1795. After Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, Prince William I became king and reunited the northern and southern provinces. They were divided again in 1830 when Belgium rose to independence.
Industrialization began to sink on the 19th century. The country successfully dodged involvement in World War I, but were involved in the Nazis onslaught. This resulted in the deaths of many Jews of Holland. After World War 2, Netherlands created an effective social welfare program in response to labor shortages. This allowed mass migration from countries like Turkey, Surinam, and Antilles.