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History Extra podcast

The remarkable history of the Netherlands

May 21, 2018
Journalist and broadcaster Misha Glenny discusses the Netherlands' history, from the Dutch Golden Age to World War Two. Topics include Dutch influence on British institutions, imperialism, and modern relations, as well as the country's transformation into a global superpower and its historical rivalry with Britain.
28:36

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Netherlands' diverse cultural influences shaped its history as a prominent trading hub in Europe.
  • Defiance against the Spanish Empire was driven by religious divisions, leading to the emergence of a united Dutch front.

Deep dives

Geographical Position of the Netherlands

The unique geographical location of the Netherlands, acting as a meeting point between different European cultures, played a significant role in shaping the country's history. This position allowed the Netherlands to absorb diverse influences from surrounding regions and facilitated its emergence as a prominent trading hub in Europe. The geographical diversity within the country itself, with different regions resembling Germanic, French, Scandinavian, and British cultures, further added to its complexity and influence on its historical development.

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