From 0 – 1500
In that period the Romans came to the Netherlands. They came from Rome and the first Dutch cities arose at that time (Maastricht).
The southern part became part of the Roman Empire, bringing urbanization and cultural influences.
Vikings raided coastal areas, causing disruptions and Christianity was established, with the Catholic Church’s influence. Monastic orders founded abbeys and contributed to education and culture. Around 1500 more and more people did not agree with the way the Catholic Church ruled the religion and the protestants came as a second group.
Willem van Oranje
If you want to delve into the history of the Netherlands, it is important to know the most important periods and their characteristics.
The war with Spain that lasted 80 years (1568 – 1628)
The Spanish monarch was annoyed that more and more people in our area are turning away from the Catholic Church. During this period, Prince “Willem van Oranje” arranged the revolt against the Spaniards. William of Orange is considered as father of the Netherlands.
An important point of view was that there should be freedom of religion in the Netherlands. The Spanish monarch was against it. William of Orange is assassinated.
The Netherlands independently
In 1588 the Netherlands became a republic without a king. The Netherlands cooperated with 7 provinces. The war against Spain lasted until 1648 (then the Netherlands was free). The south of the Netherlands and Belgium belonged to Spain. Many people there are still Catholic. In the northern parts many people are Protestant.
After the end of this war, the republic became an independent state.
The national anthem has to do with the period when William of Orange led the revolt. The title of the national anthem is “het Wilhelmus“.
Prince Willen van Oranje
Dutch Hymne
Dutch hymne
This is the Dutch Hymne. The text is somewhat controversial as it is stating that:
– we are of German blood and
– we always honored the Spanish King (strange during a war with the Spanish…)
Nevertheless the Dutch can get very emotional by singing this hymne. Not by the words but by the sound of it. Only listen to the first minute!