Dutch Discoveries

Dutch Military History and its Impact on the Netherlands With a long and eventful history full of tumultuous conflicts, the Dutch military has had a lasting impact on the Netherlands of today. From its early days in the 15th and 16th centuries, to its role in the 20th century’s two World Wars, the Dutch military has left a lasting mark on the nation and its people. In this article, we'll take a look at what that impact has been and how it has shaped Dutch history. The military has been an important part of the Netherlands' history since its earliest days. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Dutch fought hard to gain their independence from the Spanish, under the leadership of William of Orange. This rebellion established the Republic of the Seven United Provinces and gave the Dutch their first taste of autonomy. In the 17th century, the Dutch were a major power on the international stage. As a formidable seafaring nation, they controlled a vast trading empire, expanding their...