ABSTRACT
Dutch GLOBE data are presented in this chapter with an overview of the history of Holland and later the Netherlands. From the Middle Ages onward, Dutch cities had substantial local autonomy, which led their educated citizens and merchants to rule themselves to a large extent. This relative autonomy stimulated independent thought and judgment, a climate that helped Protestantism to gain much ground. Foreign trade facilitated the rise of a liberal culture. Later on, religious denomination became an important societal organization principle. After the Second World War industrial relations were characterized by an economic order that emphasized mixed capitalism (in which the government has a strong role), consultation among major parties, and a welfare state.
