History of the Netherlands: Difference between revisions
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== De terugkomst ==
When the wars
Under him a new political movement became dominant, calling for reforms to strengthen the Netherlands. All the while implementing rules that banned child labour, enacted a working week and ensured fiscal responsibility and administrative reform. His party the Anti-revolutionaire partij (ARP) oversaw the transition from the old “Empire” to the new empire, this being done by the way of economic reforms.
==== Rebuilding the military ====▼
▲The period of ARP rule is often characterized by historians for its stability, economic reform and growth. It was during this period that the Netherlands also become more militaristic such as in the days of the Republic. It was seen by many a Dutchman that the loss of the colony and wealth was due to the unwillingness to fight.
From 1870 onwards as the Netherlands was getting back on its feet, with it exceeding production levels of 1850 for the first time. It became clear to the ruling “Christelijke democraten partij” (CDP), that the world was no longer safe. In the past 20 years since the end of the wars of humiliation, the Netherlands navy had slowly rebuilt itself, yet remained a small but capable navy focused on defence, while the Dutch army was reliant upon 3 professional regiments used for the colonies. This in the eyes of prime minister Floris de Noorman could not continue. What made it more apparent was when tensions arose with Britain over Aceh. It was thus in 1870 that the first of the so-called “Fleet laws” (Vloot wetten) and “Army laws” (Leger wetten) were taken in. ▼
'''Vlootwet'''
▲Rebuilding the military
▲From 1870 onwards as the Netherlands was getting back on its feet, with it exceeding production levels of 1850 for the first time. It became clear to the ruling “Christelijke democraten partij” (CDP), that the world was no longer safe. In the past 20 years since the end of the wars of humiliation, the Netherlands navy had slowly rebuilt itself, yet remained a small but capable navy focused on defence, while the Dutch army was reliant upon 3 professional regiments used for the colonies. This in the eyes of prime minister Floris de Noorman could not continue. What made it more apparent was when tensions arose with Britain over Aceh. It was thus in 1870 that the first of the so-called “Fleet laws” (Vloot wetten) and “Army laws” (Leger wetten) were taken in.
The Fleet laws were, in essence, large-scale building orders for the Netherlands navy, these laws would be enacted every 5 years, and were long-term oriented. For it was clear to the Dutch officer corp and the members of parliament that the Netherlands had a strong maritime tradition, and some of the largest and most advanced shipyards in Europe but it had to build up its forces.
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These expansions would see the Netherlands by 1900 possessing the second largest fleet in Europe second only to the British. It was a fleet unrivalled by its neighbours and often said to be able to go toe to toe with the British if needed.
'''Leger Wetten'''
The army laws were in the same spirit
During this period of reform, the Netherlands became more
These conscripts
Thus when the 1900s came the Netherlands possed a robust, professional and modern military. It was a military that had become known for its professionalism, ability to respond and its brutality in the colonies, it was often said that;
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“A single Dutchman can equal 10 Frenchmen”
All of these reforms, combined with the resurgence of the Netherlands economy, its becoming a leader in several parts, made the Netherlands once again one of the “Great powers” with it being considered the 2nd or 3rd power in Europe after Britain or France depending on who you asked. This made the Dutch government confident with its foreign policy more aggressive.
== 1900 to 1939 ==
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