Title: Netherlands - Geography, Government and History
Headings: Geography of the Netherlands
Geography of the Netherlands
Learn All about the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Fast Facts: Netherlands
History of the Netherlands
The Government of the Netherlands
Economics and Land Use in the Netherlands
Geography and Climate of the Netherlands
More Facts About the Netherlands

Content: During the 17th century, the Netherlands grew in power with its colonies and navy. However, the Netherlands eventually lost some of its importance after several wars with Spain, France, and England in the 17th and 18th centuries. In addition, the Dutch also lost their technological superiority over these nations. In 1815, Napoleon was defeated and the Netherlands, along with Belgium, became a part of the Kingdom of the United Netherlands. In 1830, Belgium formed its own kingdom and 1848, King Willem II revised the Netherlands' constitution to make it more liberal. From 1849–1890, King Willem III ruled over the Netherlands and the country grew significantly. When he died, his daughter Wilhelmina became queen. During World War II, the Netherlands was continuously occupied by Germany beginning in 1940. As a result, Wilhelmina fled to London and established a "government in exile." During WWII, over 75% of the Netherlands' Jewish population was killed.