Page 240 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

238  FR ANCE AND THE L OW C OUNTRIES

Indonesia and established a profitable occupation in 1914, the Nazi invasion of
empire based on spice. The Dutch East 1940 left lasting scars on the nation. In
India Company thrived, and in the New the 1960s, the country became a haven
World, Holland briefly ruled for the hippy counter-
over large parts of Brazil. culture, an influence
Tulip bulbs were imported which is still visible today.
from Turkey and cultivated
behind the dunes, thus Language and Culture
beginning a lucrative flower Dutch, or Netherlandic,
industry that still flourishes is a Germanic language
today. However, war with which derives from the
England radically trimmed speech of the Western
Dutch sea-power by the end Franks. A number of dialects
of the 17th century, and are spoken, and in Friesland
from then on, the country’s the dialect (Fries) has Celtic
fortunes waned. In 1795, influences. Nevertheless, as
French troops ousted in so many European
William V of Orange, and in William I of Orange (1533–84), leader of the countries, the dialects are
Dutch Revolt
1813, with the retreat of disappearing due to the Ameland
Napoleon, the Netherlands united popularity of national tele vision stations Terschelling
with Belgium, its neighbor, an on which a standardized version of Dutch
arrangement which lasted for 17 years. is usually spoken. Vlieland z e e
The Netherlands remained neutral in Culturally, Holland has a huge amount to n
both World Wars, and although it escaped offer. Its rich history is reflected in countless d e A31 Leeuwarden
old buildings and its large number of fine d Harlingen Groningen
KEY DATES IN DUTCH HISTORY museum collections. The compact size of Texel W a A7
the city centers makes it easy to stroll
300–700 Region ruled by the Franks along a canal admiring gabled houses, and A7 Heerenveen
1419 Philip the Good of Burgundy begins to unify the Den Helder
Low Countries step into a museum for an hour or two, A32
1482 The Netherlands pass by marriage to the before ending the day at a nearby café or
Austrian Habsburgs pub. The Dutch also have much to boast in A50 Meppel
1555 Philip II of Spain inherits the Netherlands the realm of the performing arts, so visitors N9 N242 IJsselmeer Emmeloord
1568 The Dutch Revolt ends Spanish rule should find time to enjoy one of the world- Enkhuizen A6
1579 The northern districts unite, forming the famous orchestras or modern-dance N302 N50
Republic of the United Netherlands companies, or attend an organ concert in Alkmaar Hoorn Kampen
1602 The Dutch East India Company founded an old church, or simply spend an evening Markermeer Zwolle
1606–69 Life of Rembrandt in one of Amsterdam’s jazz clubs or rock- Newcastle Marken and Lelystad
1648 Spain recognizes Dutch independence and-pop venues. N247 Volendam N302 A28
1794–1813 The Napoleonic era brings the Haarlem AMSTERDAM A6
Netherlands under French control A fiercely independent people, the Dutch Harderwijk
1914–18 Holland is neutral during World War I have long been champions of freedom, Schiphol NETHERLANDS
1940–45 The country is occupied by Germany and have a traditional tolerance of A4 Paleis Het Loo
1949 The Dutch East Indies gain independence, minorities. Jews have been welcome for N201 Hilversum Amersfoort A1
becoming Indonesia centuries, and although Catholicism was Enschede
1957 The Netherlands joins the European Community banned after independence, the NOR TH Leiden Utrecht A50
The Hague
1980 Princess Beatrix becomes Queen authorities turned a blind eye to its SEA (Den Haag) A44 N11 A12 Duisburg
2000 Parliament legalizes controlled euthanasia practise. Today, that tolerance is extended Hoek van Holland Delft A12 Gouda A12 Arnhem
2002 The euro replaces the Dutch guilder to asylum seekers, gays and lesbians, and A2 Le k A15 A52
2010 Rise of right-wing politician Geert Wilders people of different backgrounds. A respect Hull, Vlaardingen Rotterdam Le k A27 Leerdam Tiel Nijmegen
2013 Queen Beatrice abdicates; Willem-Alexander is for the right to live one’s own life underlies Harwich A15 Waal
crowned king Antwerp Dordrecht Eindhoven Eindhoven A50
the liberal laws on prostitution and drugs.

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