SvennoJ said:
Tober said:
I'm Dutch myself. Grew up near and live in the city mentioned in the 11th verse of the Wilhelmus. Plenty of wars have formed this city over the centuries, it even started out as a small fortress. About Europe, I agree to a certain point. When it comes to Colonialism, Slavery and Apartheid, sadly other parts in the world knew a thing or two about that too. And still do to some extend. |
Yeah build on a Roman military camp, plenty of Roman remains there, wedged between Belgium and Germany, no doubt always has been one of the first cities to get under siege. It still looks like a weird appendix down there!
Europe shaped the modern world in the 17th century, or rather fucked up the world. The consequences are still a big part of today's problems. Africa, ME, India-Pakistan, Americas, parts of Asia, all on Europe. And still supporting colonization of Palestine :/
I guess a picture says more than a thousand words
And some of those colonies (USA) are now continuing to mess up the world. And China is following US' lead more nowadays, increasing its sphere of influence. No longer willing to stay isolationist since the 1980s.
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Ah yes an appendix it is! We are a bit of an outlier down here. Not really part of the original Republic of the 7 Provinces. And the Golden Age? Never touched down here. We had so many rulers over the centuries it makes one's head spin. It's a miracle we turned out to be part of the Netherlands. Well not really a miracle, but a very stubborn Willem II back in 1839.
I'm a volunteer at one of the historic museums down here. If you ever plan to visit the Netherlands, drop by. There are great stories to tell.
Essay Pro