Five Brothers and a War

History—1800 to 1900 AD

Upon Willem II’s death, Willem III ascended the throne. He married his cousin, Sophie of Württemberg in 1839, the year before he became king. They had three sons, Willem, Maurits and Alexander, all of whom predeceased him. After Sophie's death in 1877 Willem III married a woman who was 41 years his junior, Emma van Waldeck-Pyrmont in 1879. When the king was 63 years old and the queen was 22, they had one daughter Wilhelmina, who succeeded Willem to the Dutch throne in 1890, when she was only ten years old. Of course, she could not be crowned until she reached 18.

holland

Koning Willem III During the bulk of the 19 th Century, the more advanced countries were industrializing, Holland also began the process of de-emphasizing agriculture as the most important economic segment as it was increasing its industrialization. Holland had been the world leader in international trade during its history, and sought to do so again. Antwerp had become the largest port in Europe, but with its inclusion in Flemish Belgium, Rotterdam was being established as the premiere port in Holland, and in the world. Willem I was a strong proponent of industrialization. This effort took root more strongly in what became Belgium than in what remained as Holland. As a result, when Belgium broke away, it was in a more sustainable position. Holland was still prosperous, but was falling behind Belgium. Holland had actually set itself up to function as a nation—with internal economics, a common currency, tax collection, a common set of weights and measures, and infrastructure (roads, bridges, canals and railroads). While Holland moved far more gradually, the pieces were in place to allow for expansion. It took until the early 1900s for Holland to catch Belgium.

Five Brothers and a War

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